Related Experiment Videos
Contemporary pulmonary embolism thrombolysis
1Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.
Chest
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Physicians often lack experience with pulmonary embolism (PE) thrombolysis due to infrequent cases. However, simpler and more accessible thrombolysis protocols are expanding its use for PE treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Critical Care
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) thrombolysis is underutilized, with fewer than 10% of US patients receiving it.
- Physician inexperience with PE thrombolysis stems from the low incidence of massive PE cases treated annually.
- Existing thrombolytic protocols for acute myocardial infarction are routinely used, highlighting a disparity in application for PE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the underutilization of pulmonary embolism (PE) thrombolysis.
- To highlight the expanding indications and simplified protocols for PE thrombolysis.
- To inform healthcare providers about the evolving treatment landscape for PE.
Main Methods:
- Review of contemporary thrombolysis protocols for PE.
- Comparison of current and historical treatment approaches.
- Analysis of factors contributing to expanded PE thrombolysis use.
Main Results:
- PE thrombolysis is becoming more accessible with simpler, less expensive protocols.
- Expanded indications and revised treatment strategies are increasing PE thrombolysis adoption.
- Modern protocols feature a 2-week time window, often omit mandatory angiography, use peripheral vein infusions, and require no special lab tests.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) thrombolysis is transitioning from a heroic measure to a more routinely applicable treatment.
- Simplified protocols and expanded indications are likely to increase the use of thrombolysis for PE.
- Physicians can now administer PE thrombolysis more efficiently and cost-effectively.