Pulmonary Embolism Centers of Excellence: Current Protocols and Innovative Treatment Approaches

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening pathology that potentially requires a wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical interventions. Due to the complexity of differential diagnosis and clinical decision-making, as well as the extensive development of modern therapeutic and diagnostic methods for PE, a network of specialized expert-level PE centers has been established internationally. Such facilities allow concentrating qualified medical personnel and high-tech equipment to improve the quality of care for PE patients at intermediate-high and high-risk and to establish a scientific and educational base for future research and the updating of clinical guidelines. The implementation of PE centers can reduce in-hospital mortality and the duration of hospital and intensive care unit stay.