Massive pulmonary embolism permitting paradoxical systemic arterial embolism: successful surgical management.

The case of a young woman, receiving oral contraceptives, who developed massive pulmonary embolism producing circulatory collapse and paradoxical arterial embolism through a patent foramen ovale is documented.. Limb viability was threatened. Emergency management included removal of arterial and pulmonary emboli, surgical closure of the patent foramen ovale, inferior caval partitioning, ovarian vein ligation, and short-term anticoagulation. Recovery was rapid and complete.