Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) - A New Paradigm for the Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. Patients with PE can present with a wide array of symptoms, ranging from mild to life threatening. The mainstay of PE treatment is anticoagulation; however, many advanced options are available for more severe patients, including catheter- directed interventions, surgical treatments, and hemodynamic support. Although different risk scores and clinical guidelines exist, the primary treating teams are frequently left uncertain on the most suitable treatment for a specific complex patient. Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams (PERT), composed of multidisciplinary experts, have emerged and been implemented in many centers and are available 24 hours a day to help guide the primary team. PERTs have changed the way complex PE patients are managed. In centers with a PERT, teams are called upon very frequently, and there is a significant increase in the use of advanced treatments for PE, although there are differences between centers based upon the center's specific PERT protocol and available capabilities. As PE is an evolving area, and more studies are necessary, PERTs around the world can help advance the field and improve the treatment offered to PE patients.