Treatment Pulmonary embolism

The treatment follows the diagnosis. Of course, in the event of problems outside the hospital facility, it is necessary to place the person in a supine position, with a slightly elevated position of the upper half of the body.

The sufferer should rest, loosen tight clothing and be medically examined. Call the emergency number and have the emergency service dispatch an ambulance.

The treatment itself can be either conservative or invasive. In the acute phase, thrombolytic therapy is given to remove the thrombus.

The embolus dissolves shortly thereafter, which restores blood flow to the pulmonary stream. Later on, anticoagulant treatment is given, which has a preventive effect against relapse.

The second option is invasive procedures or surgery. It is selected if thrombolysis is ineffective or impossible. However, thromboembolytic treatment is indicated in up to 90% of cases.

Pulmonary embolectomy without the use of extracorporeal circulation is performed according to the method developed by Trendelenburg and Marion. Another method is extracorporeal circulation or ECC. This method is more convenient for the patient and more gentle on the heart. However, it is performed only at the cardiac surgery.

Transvenous (catheter) pulmonary embolectomy is a catheterization method in which a catheter is inserted into the pulmonary vessels through a femoral vein or via a vein in the neck in order to remove the emboli.

Supportive care is also important, depending on the associated problems and the overall clinical course, i.e. administration of oxygen or medications to support heart function.

Prevention of pulmonary embolism is also important. This option should be kept in mind, especially when immobilising a patient or a limb, in addition to anticoagulant therapy. Timely remobilisation and support of physical activity are important.