Surgical removal of a clot is called an embolectomy. This type of treatment for pulmonary embolism is rarely used. It is considered when the clot in the main pulmonary artery is extremely large and life-threatening and is causing severe symptoms.⁹ An embolectomy also may be an option for a person whose condition is stable but who shows signs of significant reduced blood flow in the pulmonary artery.

What to Think About

Surgery increases the risk of forming new blood clots that can cause another pulmonary embolism.