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Advanced therapies for pulmonary embolism.
1Pulmonary Vascular Disease Program, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|August 3, 2020
Summary
Advanced therapies for acute pulmonary embolism are evolving. This review covers evidence and strategies for systemic thrombolysis, catheter-directed thrombolysis, mechanical embolectomy, and extracorporeal membrane oxygen support.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Traditional treatment strategies for PE are being augmented by advanced therapeutic options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence supporting advanced treatment modalities for acute pulmonary embolism.
- To discuss the implementation strategies and professional society recommendations for these therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent data on advanced PE therapies.
- Analysis of professional society guidelines and recommendations.
Main Results:
- Systemic and catheter-directed thrombolytic therapies show promise in select PE patients.
- Mechanical embolectomy offers an alternative for patients with contraindications to thrombolysis.
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygen support (ECMO) provides hemodynamic support in severe cases.
- Pulmonary embolism response teams (PERTs) facilitate multidisciplinary management.
Conclusions:
- Advanced therapies represent a rapidly evolving landscape in acute PE management.
- Evidence supports the use of these modalities in specific patient populations.
- Multidisciplinary approaches, including PERTs, are crucial for optimal implementation.
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