Role of Pulmonary Vegetectomy in Right-Sided Endocarditis: Lessons Learned from a Tertiary Center Experience
摘要
Septic pulmonary embolism from large vegetations is common in patients with tricuspid valve infective endocarditis. Embolism of infected vegetation material to the lungs is very different from “normal” pulmonary embolism. We can see a role for early removal of embolic material from the lungs in combination with indicated tricuspid valve surgery, but later pulmonary artery thrombendarterectomy is risky and of questionable value. Thoughtful and cautious development of this treatment option is warranted.