The first reported successful pulmonary embolectomy during cardiopulmonary bypass was performed in a 37-year-old woman who had massive pulmonary embolism following pelvic surgery. Temporary cardiopulmonary bypass provided 15 minutes of circulatory support while complete removal of bilateral pulmonary emboli was accomplished. Manual forceful compression of the lungs was necessary to remove multiple emboli and branching distal thrombi. Simultaneous ligation of the inferior vena cava was performed to prevent further pulmonary emboli. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 14th day after the operation. The proposal is made that the technique of cardiopulmonary bypass should be simplified and adapted for emergency and resuscitative use.