The right treatment for a pulmonary embolism depends on the size of the blood clot, complications you might be experiencing, and your risk of future blood clots. Options may include medications or surgery.
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage in the arteries of your lungs that develops from a blood clot. It is also a type of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which can develop when a blood clot in a different part of your body travels to your lungs.
PE is considered a serious and potentially life threatening condition that requires prompt treatment to break up the blood clots. There are treatments that can help break up the original blood clots in your lungs and also prevent future clots from developing.
Read on to learn more about PE treatments a doctor might consider, including the benefits and risks of each option.
Treatment for PE usually involves either medications or medical procedures. The decision ultimately depends on whether your case is considered a life threatening emergency.
While the overall goal is to break up any blood clots in your lungs, certain medications may also help prevent future cases of PE. This is especially important if you have a history of VTE or have other risk factors for PE development.
PE treatment may also
- permanent lung damage
- pulmonary hypertension
- heart attack
- stroke
- shock from organ damage due to lack of oxygen
Medications for PE are prescribed to break up clots, prevent smaller clots from growing large and blocking your arteries, or prevent new ones from forming altogether.
The two main types of medications used in PE treatment include:
- blood thinners (anticoagulants), which are the
most common PE treatment and can be taken at home for 3 months or longer - clot dissolvers (thrombolytics), which are administered in emergency situations in hospital settings only
Benefits
Anticoagulants can help reduce the size and recurrence of blood clots, while thrombolytics directly dissolve them. The main benefit of taking these types of medications for PE is their ability to address blood clots without surgery.
Risks and side effects
Despite their benefits, PE medications do pose the risk of serious side effects, including bleeding. In particular, thrombolytics can cause sudden and spontaneous bleeding and are only used in life threatening situations when the benefits of the medication outweigh such risks.
Anticoagulants may be needed for long-term use. Your risk of bleeding may be increased when taking other medications and supplements that also increase bleeding, including vitamin K and aspirin.
Also, there are some limitations to consider. While anticoagulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for PE, they don’t directly dissolve blood clots like thrombolytics can.
A vena cava filter is a type of medical device used in situations when a person cannot take anticoagulants. These devices work by filtering, or “catching,” blood clots before they can travel to your lungs and cause blockages.
Benefits
Vena cava filters can be beneficial in situations where you cannot safely take blood-thinning medications.
A doctor places the filter in your inferior vena cava, a type of large vein between your legs and heart, where the goal is to catch it before it goes to smaller veins and arteries in your body. The filter may also be removed at some point in the future if a doctor believes you no longer need it.
Risks and side effects
The biggest downside to a vena cava filter is that it prevents future cases of PE only. It does not treat any current blood clots you do have. This means that if you currently have VTE or blood clots in your lungs, you may still be at risk of developing PE-related complications.
A thrombectomy is a medical procedure in which a doctor removes a large blood clot in your lungs. It’s a rare procedure that is reserved for life threatening situations only.
The procedure may be catheter-directed, where a tube is placed in your veins so your doctor can reach the blood clot and break it up physically or with medications. Another option is surgical removal through a process called an embolectomy.
Benefits
The greatest benefit of a thrombectomy is its lifesaving potential. If you have a large blood clot in your lungs, this procedure can help remove it quicker than medications can.
Risks and side effects
The downside of a thrombectomy is that, while it treats large blood clots causing PE, it doesn’t prevent future occurrences. This limitation is similar to that of thrombolytic medications. Also,
Also, you will likely need general anesthesia before undergoing this procedure, which has separate risks and side effects to consider, such as nausea, vomiting, and breathing issues.
When considering your treatment options for PE, consider asking a doctor the following questions:
- How long will I need to take blood thinners?
- What medications, supplements, and herbs should I avoid when taking blood thinners?
- When should I schedule a follow-up visit to see if my PE medication is working?
- Will I need surgery to treat PE?
- What symptoms of PE-related complications should I look out for?
- What lifestyle changes can I make to support my PE treatment goals?
- How do I know if my current treatment is working?
Also, know that if your situation is considered life threatening, you may not get an opportunity to ask a doctor questions, as they might need to take immediate action to remove or dissolve a blood clot in your lungs.
PE is a serious condition that can lead to life threatening complications. In most cases, a doctor will prescribe blood thinners for small blood clots and to help prevent new ones. Other treatments, such as surgery, may be considered for larger and more serious cases of PE.
Whether you are currently receiving treatment for PE or have had a recent diagnosis, it’s important to talk with a doctor about all of your treatment options. All PE treatments have certain benefits, risks, and limitations to consider.