Advanced Care for Patients with Pulmonary Embolism

RALEIGH, N.C. (February 13, 2023) – A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a vascular problem that occurs when a pulmonary artery in the lungs becomes blocked by a blood clot. And, while it’s a common health condition, if not diagnosed quickly and treated properly, a PE can be life-threatening. While treatment varies based on a patient’s symptoms, as well as the size and location of the clot – getting prompt and appropriate treatment saves lives. That’s why WakeMed Heart & Vascular recently made several advances in the evaluation and treatment of PE.

Newly Formed Team Enhances PE Care: Introducing PERT

The newly formed Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) includes all the clinicians required to meet the needs of PE patients who are critically ill. Our team of interventional radiologists, cardiologists, vascular surgeons, intensivists, nurses, and pharmacists have collaborated to develop research-based guidelines that provide the best care possible for this condition. For patients with life-threatening PE, a PERT consult is now available 24/7, and there is always a physician available to perform advanced procedures day or night.

PERT: How It Works

When a PERT consult is ordered, our team of physicians and support staff gets together either by phone or at the bedside with the patient and family to discuss the best approach to treating their individual pulmonary embolism – based on the patient’s unique circumstances as well as WakeMed’s PE protocols, which are based on a thorough review of the latest evidence-based guidelines.

“Establishing the PERT program here at WakeMed is significantly enhancing the care we can deliver to our patients with pulmonary embolism,” explains David Kirk, MD, Associate Chief Medical Officer. “Because the medical literature around treating pulmonary embolism isn’t always clear, patients now receive the benefit of true collaboration – which is like having three to four highly-trained physicians across multiple disciplines all evaluating a patient’s best course of treatment. In the medical world, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

New Device Allows for Minimally-Invasive Removal of Large PE Clots

WakeMed has recently invested in new tools and procedures to treat pulmonary embolism. The FlowTriever® is a mechanical device that allows a highly-trained proceduralist (either an interventional cardiologist, vascular surgeon or interventional radiologist) to remove large blood clots that previously were treated using either an open surgical procedure or with the use of very potent anti-thrombolytics (clot-busting drugs). This device opens up new treatment options for patients who aren’t candidates for anti-thrombolytics or an open surgery.

Interventional cardiologist Dr. Siva Ketha performed the first FlowTriever case at WakeMed Heart & Vascular last fall. “This procedure is allowing us to treat more patients with PE, more safely. By simply having this new device available, we’re increasing the number of tools we have in our toolbox to treat PE – particularly for those with a higher risk for bleeding or other complications. We’re also eliminating the need for open surgery in many patients, which increases safety and allows patients to recover more quickly.”

These advances in the treatment of pulmonary embolism complement WakeMed’s growing Vascular Surgery program.

“By enhancing our pulmonary embolism program, we’re reinforcing our commitment to bringing the very latest and most advanced treatment options to our patients, right here in Wake County,” explains Dr. Ellen Dillavou. “Over the past few years, our Vascular Surgery program has grown exponentially, and we will continue to add highly-trained experts, advanced tools and new procedures so we can offer the highest quality vascular surgery and care available anywhere in the region.”

About WakeMed Health & Hospitals

Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed is a not-for-profit health care system founded and based in Raleigh, N.C. WakeMed exists to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing outstanding and compassionate care to all. WakeMed’s 970-bed system comprises a network of facilities throughout the Triangle area, including three full-service hospitals, seven emergency departments, a dedicated Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital, more than 80 physician offices and Wake County’s only Level I Trauma Center. WakeMed’s mission-driven team includes more than 10,300 employees, 1,000 volunteers and 1,300 affiliated physicians, along with the more than 700 physicians and providers with WakeMed Physician Practices – all representing the best minds and the biggest hearts and the finest quality in health care and community health. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org or follow WakeMed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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