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Pulmonary Embolism Treatment in Bhubaneswar

Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary Embolism Treatment in Bhubaneswar

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a medical condition in which blood clots in the legs, called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), break off and travel along the bloodstream, subsequently blocking the artery that aids in supplying blood to the lungs. Considered a serious and fatal form of venous thromboembolic disease, PE causes oxygen levels to drop in your lungs, impaired gas exchange, and a subsequent blood pressure increase in the pulmonary arteries. Failure to provide timely intervention will result in lung damage and heart failure, leading to death.

Interventional radiologists in the Radiology Department at Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, are highly experienced and skilled in employing various treatments, including surgical procedures such as Catheter-Directed Thrombectomy or Thrombolysis to address PE. With the help of advanced technologies and techniques equipped on the premises, our medical professionals aim to deliver the best treatment and ensure the well-being of our patients.

FAQ's

The presentation of symptoms may vary for individuals with pulmonary embolism and depends on the severity of the clot. Common symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
  • Pleuritic chest pain
  • Coughing blood from lungs (hemoptysis)
  • Wheezing
  • Feeling dizzy or having a headache (presyncope) or losing consciousness (syncope)
  • Rapid and abnormal breathing (tachypnea) 
  • Irregular heart rhythms
  • Excessive sweating

If you have any of the above symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention to minimise complications. 

Various imaging tests are used to diagnose pulmonary embolism, such as:

  • Chest X-ray: The procedure checks if there is any onset of pneumonia or the presence of an enlarged heart.

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): The ECG assesses heart functionality to rule out a possible heart attack.

  • Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA): The procedure involves the administration of contrast dye, and with the help of X-rays, the presence, location, and extent of the clot are determined.

  • D-dimer test: A blood test that measures a substance when the blood clot is dissolved.

  • Ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy: Also known as V/Q scan, the procedure involves using radioactive gas to assess the airway and blood flow in the lungs.

  • Pulmonary angiogram: The procedure is invasive, and a contrast dye is administered through the catheter. Using X-rays, pulmonary embolism is diagnosed.

The course of treatment for pulmonary embolism is typically determined by the severity of the clot. Interventions include:

  • Anticoagulants that help prevent the coagulation of blood.

  • Thrombolytics, or ‘clot-busting’ drugs are given to break and dissolve blood clots.

  • Minimal invasive surgical procedures such as Catheter-directed Thrombectomy or Thrombolysis, where blood clots are dissolved by passing medication, manually breaking or removing, or releasing saline solution at high speed through catheters.

Vena cava filters are employed inside the vena, helping the device catch and filter blood clots. A vena cava filter is recommended for patients who cannot take anticoagulants.

Complications associated with pulmonary embolism may include:

  • Bleeding from blood vessel injury during catheter insertion

  • Arrhythmia

  • Pulmonary hypertension and infarction, i.e., increased blood pressure in pulmonary arteries, and lung tissue death due to lack of blood supply

  • Accumulation of fluid within pleural space, called pleural effusion

  • Intracranial bleeding due to consumption of thrombolytic agents

  • Residual clot fragments

  • Damage to the kidney, particularly in patients with prior renal-related ailments

Your medical provider will inform you of possible risks and complications that could manifest during your treatment and also provide medications to reduce them. 

Catheter-Directed Thrombectomy or Thrombolysis is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the removal of blood clots with the help of a catheter. The procedure is done by a skilled interventional radiologist with the help of guided scans. During the procedure, sedation is administered, and the site where the catheter is inserted is sterilised. Using imaging-guided scans such as X-rays, the catheter is inserted and passed through the blood vessels to reach the clot. The radiologist will inject contrast material through the catheter, and by using X-rays, the location, extent, and severity of the clot are determined. Based on these factors, the clot is dissolved either through mechanical means or by the administration of anticoagulants, called thrombolysis. The benefits of Catheter-Directed Thrombectomy or Thrombolysis are:

  • Quick recovery as the procedure is minimally invasive

  • The procedure is directly targeted at the clot site, minimising side effects

  • Clots are dissolved rapidly with the help of catheter-based thrombolytic agents.

Recognising the early onset of symptoms of pulmonary embolism can help the patient receive on-time treatment. The general instructions that involve preventing pulmonary embolism during your recovery are the following:

  • Restrict yourself from smoking and drinking during your recovery period. Smoking hinders your progress.

  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as engaging in exercise, and having a balanced diet, could enhance your recovery progress.

  • If you are prescribed blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) to prevent blood clots, take them as directed by your healthcare provider.

  • Being cautious about complications, performing regular checks, and attending follow-up appointments with your specialist.

  • Avoiding prolonged sitting and standing, especially during work hours and driving.

  • Using compression stockings to enhance circulation and movement of fluid in the legs.

  • Keeping a check on your mental health.

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