Contemporary Management of the High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: The Clot Thickens. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reardon, Peter M.; Yadav, Krishan; Hendin, Ariel; Karovitch, Alan; Hickey, Michael
• Is Part Of: Journal of intensive care medicine. Volume 34:Number 8(2019)
• Page Start: 603
• Page End: 608
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: resuscitation -- intensive care unit -- critical care -- critical illness -- antithrombotic drugs; Critical care medicine -- Periodicals; Critical Care -- Periodicals; Soins intensifs -- Périodiques; Soins intensifs; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.02805
• DOI: 10.1177/0885066618789879
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-0666

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common disease process encountered in the acute care setting. It presents on a spectrum of severity with the most severe presentations carrying a substantial risk of morbidity and mortality. In recent years, a wide range of competing treatment strategies have been proposed for the high-risk PE including new catheter-based and extracorporeal techniques, and management has become more challenging. There is currently no consensus as to the optimal approach to treatment. Contemporary management decisions are informed by the balance between the risk of deterioration and the risk of harm from intervention, within the available resources. This review will summarize the current evidence to better inform clinical decision-making in high-risk PE and highlight future directions in management.