Echocardiography guided therapy for massive intra-operative pulmonary emboli during arterio-venous fistula/graft thrombectomy

Various techniques' are currently employed for thrombectomies of the arterio-venous (AV) fistula/ graft to restore flow. Sub massive or massive pulmonary emboli's have been reported following such procedures both intra-operatively and post-operatively. The hemodynamic responses depend not only on the size of the emboli's but also on the pre existing cardiac or pulmonary reserve of the patient. Rapid intra-operative echocardiography by anesthesiologist not only will help the clinicians with diagnosis but also can guide treatment plan as well as prognosis.