About Pulmonary Thromboembolectomy as treatment for Pulmonary Embolism
What is a pulmonary embolism (PE)?
When a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — a blood clot — breaks off and travels in the circulatory system, it can get trapped in the lung, where it blocks the oxygen supply. This condition, known as pulmonary embolism, can cause heart failure. It can be fatal. If pulmonary embolism can be diagnosed and appropriate therapy started, the mortality can be reduced from approximately 30 percent to less than ten percent.
What are the symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism?
Some people are not aware of a deep vein clot until they have signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism. Signs and symptoms, which can mimic other cardiopulmonary events, include:
- Unexplained shortness of breath
- Pain with deep breathing
- Coughing up blood
- Rapid breathing and a fast heart rate
How common is a pulmonary embolism?
It is estimated that:
More than 600,000 patients suffer a pulmonary embolism each year.
The condition causes, or contributes to up to 200,000 deaths annually in the United States.
One in every 100 patients who develop DVT die due to pulmonary embolism. Most pulmonary embolisms are caused by DVT.
Can the condition be prevented?
With early treatment, people with DVT can reduce their chances of developing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism to less than 1%. Blood thinners may be effective in preventing further clotting and can prevent a pulmonary embolism from occurring.
If I get a pulmonary embolism, how can it be treated?
A pulmonary embolism can be treated by pulmonary thromboembolectomy.