The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with significant mortality. Surgical embolectomy is a viable treatment option; however, it remains controversial as a result of variable outcomes. This review investigates patient outcomes after surgical embolectomy for acute PE. ⋯ Surgical embolectomy is an acceptable treatment option with favorable outcomes.
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Cases of vaporizer-induced acute lung injury are increasing in frequency as the use of these recreational products have become more popular. Such pathology can result in life-threatening conditions for otherwise healthy patients, with diagnostic difficulties and complex treatment plans. Presented is a case of severe acute lung injury caused by vaporizing substances in a young man requiring extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge to recovery. Recovery was successful despite rapid-onset of adult respiratory distress syndrome with prompt use of ECMO and appropriate lung-protective strategies.