Final answer:
The management of massive pulmonary embolism involves thrombolysis or surgical embolectomy. Thrombolysis uses clot-dissolving medications to break down the blood clot, while surgical embolectomy involves directly removing the clot from the pulmonary artery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The management of massive pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent potentially fatal outcomes. The definitive treatment for massive pulmonary embolism is thrombolysis or surgical embolectomy.
Thrombolysis involves administering clot-dissolving medications, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), to break down the blood clot in the pulmonary artery. This procedure can be performed systemically or directly into the pulmonary artery using catheters.
In cases where thrombolysis is contraindicated or unsuccessful, surgical embolectomy may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the blood clot directly from the pulmonary artery.