[Pulmonary embolism: indication for and results of embolectomy under cardio-pulmonary bypass (author's transl)].

Pulmonary embolectomy under cardio-pulmonary bypass was performed in five patients with massive embolism. Two survived and were ultimately discharged; two died after 40 and 101 days, respectively, of the underlying disease; one patient--operated on under a mistaken diagnosis--was maintained under assisted circulation but died after four days of the underlying disease (cardiac failure). Indications for pulmonary embolectomy under cardiopulmonary bypass should be widened, as it is the only life-saving measure in most cases. After moderately severe pulmonary embolism (lobar embolism) indications for surgical intervention must be individualised from case to case.