Pulmonary Embolism Response Team Research Articles

ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF CATHETER DIRECTED THERAPY ON LONG-TERM CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE PULMONARY EMBOLISM

Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams (PERT) help providers quickly determine optimal management of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Invasive catheter directed therapy (CDT) may help quickly stabilize patients with submassive and massive PE. However, data on the long-term impact of CDT is limited. Data

INITIATION OF A PULMONARY EMBOLISM RESPONSE TEAM: A QUALITY ASSURANCE INITIATIVE IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

The concept of a Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) is multidisciplinary, with the hope that it may positively impact patient care, hospital efficiency, and outcomes in the treatment of patients with intermediate and high risk pulmonary embolism (PE). Clinical characteristics of a baseline

PULMONARY EMBOLISM RESPONSE TEAMS: DO THEY RESULT IN BETTER OUTCOMES IN SEVERE PULMONARY EMBOLISM (A SINGLE CENTER RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS)?

Severe (massive and sub-massive) pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with significant rates of morbidity and mortality. We sought to assess severe PE before and after the inception of a multidisciplinary PE Response Team (PERT). Acute PE patients in the pre-PERT and early-PERT years (2013-2016)

Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams: Structuring a Dedicated Provider Response to Improve Outcomes for Patients and Institutions

Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams: Structuring a Dedicated Provider Response to Improve Outcomes for Patients and Institutions

The Role of the Pulmonologist in a Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT): A Time to Come on Stage

The Role of the Pulmonologist in a Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT): A Time to Come on Stage

Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow Up of Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Consensus Practice from the PERT Consortium

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. There have been many advances in the field of PE in the last few years, requiring a careful assessment of their impact on patient care. However, variations in recommendations by different clinical guidelines, as well as lack of robust clinical trials, make clinical decisions challenging. The Pulmonary Embolism Response Team Consortium is an international association created to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of patients with PE. In this consensus practice document, we provide a comprehensive review of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of acute PE, including both clinical data and consensus opinion to provide guidance for clinicians caring for these patients.

Low-dose systemic thrombolytic therapy for treatment of submassive pulmonary embolism: Clinical efficacy but attendant hemorrhagic risks.

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of "low-dose" systemic thrombolytic therapy (TT) for treatment of patients with intermediate-high risk submassive pulmonary embolism (PE). TT is increasingly utilized in acute submassive PE. Strategies for TT include catheter-directed administration as well as traditional IV systemic therapy. Regardless of the route, most studies document the attendant significant bleeding complication rates expected from induction of a systemic lytic state. To mitigate bleeding, "low-dose" systemic TT (Alteplase 50 mg) has been advocated, based on recent studies which demonstrated clinical efficacy with elimination of any significant bleeding complications. Over a 24-month period, our institutional PE Response Team treated 45 acute submassive PE patients with "Low Dose" IV Alteplase 50 mg. Clinical outcomes and bleeding complications were assessed. Overall clinical outcome was excellent, with 97.8% of patients surviving to discharge and a 30-day, all-cause mortality of 4.4%. Despite no patients having a HAS-BLED score > 2 (average score = 0.8 +/-), ISTH major and GUSTO moderate bleeding was observed in 11% (n = 5) of cases. The present observations document that low-dose systemic TT is associated with excellent clinical outcome for intermediate-high risk submassive PE, but with attendant risk for bleeding. These findings are consistent with the concept that induction of a therapeutic lytic state carries inextricable bleeding risk.

Initial experience of pulmonary embolism response team with percutaneous embolectomy in intermediate-high- and high-risk acute pulmonary embolism.

Initial experience of pulmonary embolism response team with percutaneous embolectomy in intermediate-high- and high-risk acute pulmonary embolism.

Symptom Duration Is Positively Correlated with Factor XIIIa Activity in Acute Pulmonary Embolism

BackgroundAcute pulmonary embolism (PE) patients are at variable risk of morbidity, mortality, and response to therapy. Patients often present at various time points from the symptom onset. Several factors may shed light into the state of endogenous thrombotic and fibrinolytic system at the time of presentation. Factor XIIIa plays a critical role in clot stabilization and may impact clot dissolution. Relation of Factor XIIIa activity and symptom duration is not known.MethodsWe prospectively collected blood samples from patients evaluated by Pulmonary Embolism Response Team at a tertiary care center. Blood was centrifuged, and plasma collected for analysis. We used ELISA method utilizing a commercially available kit from Hyphen, BioMed (Neuville-sur-Oise France), specific for measurement of Factor XIIIa, D-dimer, and Pro-TAFI antigens.Baseline clinical characteristics were collected from electronic medical record. Symptom duration was gathered from patient subjective assessment. Additional workup included radiographic and echocardiographic evaluation.We performed correlation analysis to test the association between symptom duration and Factor XIIIa activity, D-dimer, and Pro-TAFI antigen. Additionally we performed linear regression analyses to quantify the degree of association of symptom duration and Factor XIIIa activity.Results±±9.8, 8 patients were treated with catheter directed thrombolysis, while the rest were treated with anticoagulation alone. Symptom duration was positively correlated with Factor XIIIa activity (r2=0.227). More so, for every one day increase in symptom duration the Factor XIIIa activity was increased by 2.2%. (p=0.014). We demonstrated no correlation between symptom duration and D-Dimer (p=0.58) or symptom duration and Pro-TAFI antigen (p=0.84).ConclusionIn patients with acute PE, symptom duration positively correlated with Factor XIIIa activity, for every one day increase in symptom duration the Factor XIIIa activity was increased by 2.2%. Future studies are needed to ascertain the impact of Factor XIIIa activity and clot dissolution as well as functional outcomes. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams: A Novel Approach for the Care of Complex Patients With Pulmonary Embolism.

Pulmonary embolism represents the third most common cause of cardiovascular death in the United States. Reperfusion therapeutic strategies such as systemic thrombolysis, catheter directed therapies, surgical pulmonary embolectomy, and cardiopulmonary support devices are currently available for patients with high- and intermediate-high–risk pulmonary embolism. However, deciding on optimal therapy may be challenging. Pulmonary embolism response teams have been designed to facilitate multidisciplinary decision-making with the goal to improve quality of care for complex cases with pulmonary embolism. Herein, we discuss the current role and strategies on how to leverage the strengths from pulmonary embolism response teams, its possible worldwide adoption, and implementation to improve survival and change the paradigm in the care of a potentially deadly disease.

Abstract 17293: Functional Outcomes After Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with significant acute morbidity, mortality, and long term functional limitations. There is paucity of data on acute and short term functional assessment after acute PE. Hypothesis: Functional capacity will improve from baseline to follow up among patients with acute PE. Methods: We prospectively analyzed patients who underwent evaluation by the pulmonary embolism response team (PERT) at Loyola University Medical Center between 2016 and 2018. We included patients with acute PE who underwent six-minute walk test (6MWT) at discharge and during outpatient follow up (50±72 days post discharge). We collected demographic and clinical characteristics. We used paired sampled t-test to compare continuous variables. Results: Among the 204 patients evaluated by PERT, 38 patients (18.6%) underwent 6MWT at baseline and follow up. Patients were classified as low risk (6 patients), submassive (29 patients), and massive (3 patients). Mean age was 61.3±14.2, 50% were female, 60.5% were white, 26.3% were black, 29% had cancer, and 68.4% had concomitant DVT, mean BMI 36.4±10.3, and mean PESI score was 96.8+44.4. Overall the mean 6MWT distance increased significantly from a baseline of 726.9±73.7 feet to 1042±72.8 feet at follow up (p<0.001). Low risk (786±204 to 1115.8+177.6 p=0.63), Submassive (700.2±85 to 995.6±82.8 p<0.001), and Massive PE (859±261.7 to 1343.3±307 p=0.168) groups all demonstrated improvement in 6MWT distance. Conclusions: Functional capacity as measured by 6MWT significantly improved during follow up after acute PE. Future studies are needed to determine predictors of favorable functional outcome and best treatment strategies.

Changes in treatment and outcomes after creation of a pulmonary embolism response team (PERT), a 10-year analysis.

Multidisciplinary pulmonary embolism response teams (PERTs) are being implemented to improve care of patients with life-threatening PE. We sought to determine how the creation of PERT affects treatment and outcomes of patients with serious PE. A pre- and post-intervention study was performed using an interrupted time series design, to compare patients with PE before (2006-2012) and after (2012-2016) implementation of PERT at a university hospital. T-tests, Chi square tests and logistic regression were used to compare outcomes, and multivariable regression were used to adjust for differences in PE severity. Two-sided p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. For the interrupted time-series analysis, data was divided into mutually exclusive 6-month time periods (11 pre- and 7 post-PERT). To examine changes in treatment and outcomes associated with PERT, slopes and change points were compared pre- and post-PERT. Two-hundred and twelve pre-PERT and 228 post-PERT patients were analyzed. Patient demographics were generally similar, though pre-PERT, PE were more likely to be low-risk (37% vs. 19%) while post-PERT, PE were more likely to be submassive (32% vs. 49%). More patients underwent catheter directed therapy (1% vs. 14%, p = < 0.0001) or any advanced therapy (19 [9%] vs. 44 [19%], p = 0.002) post PERT. Interrupted time series analysis demonstrated that this increase was sudden and coincident with implementation of PERT, and most noticeable among patients with submassive PE. There were no differences in major bleeding or mortality pre- and post-PERT. While the use of advanced therapies, particularly catheter-directed therapies, increased after creation of PERT, especially among patients with submassive PE, there was no apparent increase in bleeding.

Editorial introductions

Editorial introductions

Submassive Pulmonary Embolism.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) presents a spectrum of hemodynamic consequences, ranging from being asymptomatic to a life-threatening medical emergency. Management of submassive and massive PE often involves clinicians from multiple specialties, which can potentially delay the development of a unified treatment plan. In addition, patients with submassive PE can deteriorate after their presentation and require escalation of care. Underlying comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, congestive heart failure, and interstitial lung disease can impact the patient's hemodynamic ability to tolerate submassive PE. In this review, we address the definitions, risk stratification (clinical, laboratory, and imaging), management approaches, and long-term outcomes of submassive PE. We also discuss the role of the PE response team in management of patients with PE.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in acute massive pulmonary embolism: a case series and review of the literature.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used to stabilize patients with massive pulmonary embolism though few reports describe this approach. We describe the presentation, management and outcomes of patients who received ECMO for massive pulmonary embolism (PE) in our pulmonary embolism response team (PERT) registry. We enrolled a consecutive cohort of patients with confirmed PE for whom PERT was activated and selected patients treated with ECMO. We prospectively captured clinical, therapeutic and outcome data at the time of PERT activation and during the follow-up period for up to 365 days. Thirteen patients who had PERT activation with confirmed PE diagnosis have undergone ECMO since the initiation of our PERT program in 2012. The mean age was 49 ± 19 years. Six (46%) patients were female. All the patients had cardiac arrest, either as an initial presentation or in-hospital cardiac arrest after presentation. All the patients exhibited right ventricular (RV) dilation on echocardiogram with RV hypokinesis. Eight (62%) patients received systemic thrombolysis with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and three (23%) patients underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis therapy using the EKOS system (EKOS Corporation, Bothell, WA, USA). Four (31%) patients underwent surgical embolectomy. Mean ECMO duration was 5.5 days, ranging from 2-18 days. Thirty-day mortality was 31% and one-year mortality was 54%. Patients with massive pulmonary embolism who suffer a cardiac arrest have high morbidity and mortality. ECMO can be used in conjunction with systemic thrombolysis, catheter-directed therapy or as a bridge to surgical embolectomy.

Patient Assessment: Clinical Presentation, Imaging Diagnosis, Risk Stratification, and the Role of Pulmonary Embolism Response Team.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is currently the third leading cause of death and moreover is likely underdiagnosed. PE remains the most common preventable cause of hospital deaths in the United States, which may be attributable to its diagnostic challenges. Although difficult to diagnose, patient mortality rates are time-dependent, and thus, the suspicion and diagnosis of PE in a timely manner is imperative. Diagnosis based on several criteria which may dictate imaging workup as well as laboratory tests and clinical parameters are discussed. The evolution of treatment guidelines via various clinical trials and recommendations is outlined, setting the stage for the use of fibrinolytics, whether systemic or catheter directed. Treatment, including fibrinolytics, is predicated on patient triage into three large categories-massive, submassive, or low-risk PE. Additionally, a relatively new concept of a multidisciplinary team composed of several subspecialty experts known as the PE response team (PERT) is discussed. PERT's timely and unified recommendations have been shown to optimize care and decrease mortality while tailoring treatment to each individual afflicted by PE.

A pulmonary embolism response team (PERT) approach: initial experience from the Cleveland Clinic.

Management of intermediate and high risk acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is challenging. The role of multidisciplinary teams for the care of these patients is emerging. Herein, we report our experience with a pulmonary embolism response team (PERT). We conducted a retrospective chart review on all patients admitted to the Cleveland Clinic main campus who required activation of the (PERT) from October 1, 2014 to September 1, 2016. We extracted data pertaining to clinical presentation, bleeding complications, and pre- and post-discharge imaging. Patients were classified as low, intermediate or high risk PE. Descriptive and continuous variables were collected and analyzed. There were 134 PERT activations. PE was confirmed by CT-PA in 118 patients. Fifteen (13%) patients were classified as low risk, 80 (68%) intermediate risk PE and 23 (19%) high risk PE. Fourteen (12%) patients were treated with catheter directed rtPA, 6 (5%) received full dose (100mg rtPA), 16 (13%) received systemic half-dose (50mg rtPA), 6 (5%) underwent a surgical embolectomy and 4 (3%) underwent mechanical thrombectomy. 65 (55%) patients received anticoagulation only, and 8 (7%) patients were managed conservatively without any anticoagulation or advanced therapy. 11 (9%) patients died while during the hospitalization. Fourteen patients had major bleeding events. There were no bleeding events among patients who received systemic low dose or full dose rtPA. A multidisciplinary approach to cases of intermediate risk and high risk PE can be implemented successfully. We saw a relatively low rate of bleeding events with use of rtPA.

The impact of a multi-specialty team for high risk pulmonary embolism on resident and fellow education.

The impact of the Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) model on trainee physician education and autonomy over the management of high risk pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown. A resident and fellow questionnaire was administered 1 year after PERT implementation. A total of 122 physicians were surveyed, and 73 responded. Even after 12 months of interacting with the PERT consultative service, and having formal instruction in high risk PE management, 51% and 49% of respondents underestimated the true 3-month mortality for sub-massive and massive PE, respectively, and 44% were unaware of a common physical exam finding in patients with PE. Comparing before and after PERT implementation, physicians perceived enhanced confidence in identifying ( p<0.001), and managing ( p=0.003) sub-massive/massive PE, enhanced confidence in treating patients appropriately with systemic thrombolysis ( p=0.04), and increased knowledge of indications for systemic thrombolysis and surgical embolectomy ( p=0.043 and p<0.001, respectively). Respondents self-reported an increased fund of knowledge of high risk PE pathophysiology (77%), and the perception that a multi-disciplinary team improves the care of patients with high risk PE (89%). Seventy-one percent of respondents favored broad implementation of a PERT similar to an acute myocardial infarction team. Overall, trainee physicians at a large institution perceived an enhanced educational experience while managing PE following PERT implementation, believing the team concept is better for patient care.

IP269. Intraoperative Cone Beam Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography: An Effective Adjunct Imaging Tool for Rapid Diagnosis and Safe Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis

Submassive and massive pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with high mortality, and effective treatment lies within a short window of time. In these instances, rapid diagnosis and treatment are vital for providing fast and efficacious care. We report a novel technique of intraoperative cone beam computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CBCT-PA) for diagnosis and treatment of PE in selected highly morbid cases. Between April 2015 and February 2016, patients who underwent intraoperative CBCT-PA were retrospectively reviewed. In our hybrid operating room equipped with a robotic angiography system (Artis zeego; Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany), CBCT-PA images were acquired using a 5-second CBCT protocol (syngo DynaCT; Siemens) after injection of 40 mL of 50% iodinated contrast material at 8 mL/s through a pigtail catheter in the main pulmonary artery. Four patients underwent intraoperative CBCT-PA during the study period. Two of four patients (50%) were hemodynamically unstable in the intensive care unit and deemed unstable for transfer to computed tomography imaging in the radiology suite. These patients were taken directly to the operating room under high suspicion of massive PE and for possible intervention. In one patient, CBCT-PA revealed a large embolus in the left pulmonary artery (Fig 1), prompting an attempt at mechanical thrombectomy. In the other patient, CBCT demonstrated only a small subsegmental embolus in the right lower lobe pulmonary artery (Fig 2), which made PE the unlikely cause for acute decompensation. In the remaining two patients, CBCT imaging was performed for follow-up after placement of thrombolytic catheters the day before. CBCT demonstrated residual clot in subsegmental branches, and thrombolytic catheters were repositioned. Both patients did well after removal of thrombolytic catheters and prescription of systemic anticoagulation. CBCT-PA is an effective adjunct imaging tool for diagnosis of PE in the operating room, especially in hemodynamically unstable patients, for whom transfer to the radiology imaging suite is often unsafe, and during catheter-directed thrombolysis. Until conventional computed tomography imaging becomes routinely available in the operating room, such novel intraoperative imaging options can be a valuable addition to the PE response team algorithm to optimize care in patients with PE.Fig 2Oblique coronal reconstruction of computed tomography image showing small embolus in the left lower lobe pulmonary artery (arrow).View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

The Role of the Pulmonologist in a Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT): A Time to Come on Stage

The Role of the Pulmonologist in a Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT): A Time to Come on Stage