Pulmonary embolism: surgery in a hyperbaric chamber.

A 20-year-old man with a known history of thrombophlebitis experienced massive pulmonary embolism with hypoxia and shock. Embolectomy was performed with hyperbaric oxygenation for cardiopulmonary support. Ligation of the inferior vena cava was required postoperatively to prevent further embolism. Hyperbaric oxygenation is an effective method of cardiopulmonary support for pulmonary embolectomy.