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Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

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Description
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Updated: May 16, 2026

Normothermic Negative Pressure Ventilation Ex Situ Lung Perfusion: Evaluation of Lung Function and Metabolism

Normothermic Negative Pressure Ventilation Ex Situ Lung Perfusion: Evaluation of Lung Function and Metabolism

Published on: February 14, 2022

Acute pulmonary embolectomy.

Cheng He¹, Ludwig K Von Segesser, Pieter A Kappetein

¹Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia.

European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery : Official Journal of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery

|December 11, 2012

Summary

Surgical pulmonary embolectomy is being reconsidered for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) management. Advances allow earlier intervention, potentially improving outcomes for this high-mortality condition.

Keywords:

Embolism Pulmonary embolectomy Surgery Thrombolysis

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Last Updated: May 16, 2026

Normothermic Negative Pressure Ventilation Ex Situ Lung Perfusion: Evaluation of Lung Function and Metabolism

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Published on: February 14, 2022

A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism

A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism

Published on: September 6, 2024

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Thoracic Surgery
Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant global health concern with high mortality.
PE classification includes non-massive, sub-massive, and massive, determined by hemodynamic compromise.
Surgical pulmonary embolectomy, an established procedure, traditionally carries high mortality rates and is a last resort.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current literature on surgical pulmonary embolectomy for acute PE.
To discuss updated indications for the procedure based on recent diagnostic advances.
To outline perioperative management and analyze outcomes of surgical pulmonary embolectomy.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on surgical pulmonary embolectomy for acute PE.
Analysis of diagnostic advancements, particularly echocardiography for right ventricular stress.
Discussion of patient selection, perioperative protocols, and outcome data.

Main Results:

Recent diagnostic tools, like echocardiography, identify mortality predictors (e.g., right ventricular stress).
These advances facilitate earlier surgical pulmonary embolectomy in select patients before circulatory collapse.
Preliminary data suggest promising outcomes with this re-explored approach.

Conclusions:

Surgical pulmonary embolectomy is being re-evaluated for acute PE management.
Early intervention guided by advanced diagnostics may improve patient outcomes.
Further research is warranted to refine indications and optimize perioperative care.