How to Save a Life From Macroscopic Fat Embolism: A Narrative Review of Treatment Options

Macroscopic fat embolism (MAFE) has grabbed the attention of the plastic surgery community in recent years because of its high mortality rate. Many articles on preventing MAFE during gluteal fat grafting are available in the literature. However, total prevention is difficult: a number of factors, both technical and human, mean that MAFE remains a potential complication. This review was written with the main goal of providing a treatment plan. MAFE shares many similar pathophysiologic and hemodynamic features with massive thrombotic pulmonary embolism (PE), especially the associated cardiopulmonary decompensation. Lessons learned from PE management were used to devise a management algorithm for MAFE. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and its potential application as a main modality of treatment for MAFE was explored. The lack of evidence in the literature for the treatment of MAFE, and its high mortality, lent urgency to the need to write an article on the management aspect in the form of a narrative review, to ensure that every plastic surgeon practicing gluteal fat grafting is knowledgeable about the treatment aspect of this deadly complication.