In certain cases, we use a specialized technique called ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis, also known as EKOS therapy. This treatment combines clot-busting drugs with ultrasound energy to break up clots more effectively while using less medication—reducing the risk of bleeding complications.
When medications alone aren’t enough, our vascular specialists may use venous thrombectomy devices—tools designed to physically remove blood clots through a catheter. These devices allow for fast and effective removal of large or dangerous clots, especially when time is critical or when patients are not candidates for medication-based treatment due to bleeding risks.
If a DVT clot travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE)—a serious life-threatening emergency that can block blood flow and cause heart failure. Symptoms may include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing (sometimes with blood), or rapid heartbeat.
At PIH Health, we are fully equipped to respond with advanced treatments, including:
- Catheter-based pulmonary embolectomy – a minimally invasive procedure that removes the clot directly from the lungs using a special catheter inserted through a leg vein
Meet the PIH Health PERT (Pulmonary Embolism Response Team)
For patients experiencing a pulmonary embolism, PIH Health has a dedicated Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT)—a rapid-response, multidisciplinary team made up of specialists in interventional cardiology, interventional radiology, pulmonology, emergency medicine, and critical care.
When seconds count, the PERT team works together to:
- Rapidly evaluate and diagnose pulmonary embolism
- Determine the best, personalized treatment plan
- Coordinate immediate intervention to improve outcomes
The PERT model ensures that every patient with a high-risk PE receives timely, coordinated, and evidence-based care from a team of experts—24/7.
