Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious and prevalent result of a blood clot, or deep vein thrombosis, which usually begins in the legs, dislodges, and travels to the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. This clot migrating to the lungs can cause sudden cardiac arrest or death. Common mild symptoms include shortness of breath or pain when inhaling, severe cough, and increased heart rate. The interventional radiologist can remove those clots in the pulmonary arteries. Surgical thrombectomy is used in cases of VTE involving limb or life threatening emergencies such as massive pulmonary embolism, and is not routinely used for lower extremity DVT treatment.
Conditions Treated and Procedures Performed
- Conditions Treated: Pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Reason for Procedure: Blood clots can develop in the abdomen or leg veins for many reasons. These clots can fragment and travel to your lungs, known as PE. These clots block normal blood flow in the pulmonary arteries, causing shortness of breath. If left untreated, PE can result in cardiorespiratory compromise, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), and death in certain cases.
- How It’s Performed: An Interventional Radiologist will access a vein in your leg. Catheters and wires are advanced into your pulmonary arteries. Contrast dye is injected to study your pulmonary arteries. Blood clots can be removed using a small vacuum catheter. Medications might be injected into the pulmonary arteries to dissolve clots in certain cases.
- Anesthesia: Conscious Sedation
- Recovery Time: You will usually be admitted to the hospital for observation.
- For more information and to schedule a consultation with one of our IR physicians, please call 631-403-7088
