[Pulmonary embolism response teams: what is the added value for patients with acute pulmonary embolism?]

Adequate triaging of patients presenting with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is essential for appropriate treatment, especially for patients with severe PE. Optimal treatment for this latter group of patients includes pharmaco-mechanical reperfusion treatment for the minority of patients who present with haemodynamic instability, and standard anticoagulation and close monitoring on the ward for the intermediate-high risk patient. In the USA, pulmonary embolism response teams (PERT) have been introduced to coordinate triaging of these patients. We discuss the potential role of PERT teams in Dutch hospitals. The main advantage of PERT could be a uniform management strategy that is supported by a multidisciplinary team including all key specialists in the treatment of severe PE.