Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT)

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) can range from a stable condition treated with anticoagulation to a life-threatening emergency requiring rapid escalation to advanced therapies. To treat a patient with this life-threatening condition, PERT was established.  PERT is a coordinated, multidisciplinary team available 24/7 to support timely diagnosis, assess risk, and treatment planning.

PERT brings together multidisciplinary specialists—including pulmonary/critical care, emergency medicine, cardiology, interventional radiology, hospital medicine, and cardiothoracic surgery (as needed)—to provide a unified plan of care for patients with suspected or confirmed PE.
 

Our Approach

When PERT is activated, the team rapidly reviews clinical status and key diagnostics, which may include:

• CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA)
• Echocardiography (right ventricular size/function, pressures)
• Electrocardiogram and biomarkers (e.g., troponin, BNP)
• Hemodynamics and oxygenation requirements
• Bleeding risk, comorbidities, and goals of care

Treatment is individualized based on PE risk category (low-, intermediate-, or high-risk) and patient-specific factors. While anticoagulation remains the foundation of therapy, selected patients may benefit from advanced interventions, including catheter-based therapies or surgical options.

Advanced Therapies

Depending on patient risk profile and clinical trajectory, PERT may recommend:

• Therapeutic anticoagulation
• Systemic thrombolysis (selected patients)
• Catheter-directed thrombolysis
• Catheter-based mechanical thrombectomy
• Hemodynamic/respiratory support (including ICU-level support when needed)
• IVC filter evaluation (selected circumstances)

Not every patient needs an intervention—PERT’s role is to ensure the right therapy is used for the right patient at the right time.

When to Activate PERT

PERT activation is encouraged for patients with:

• Suspected or confirmed PE with hemodynamic instability
• Evidence of right ventricular strain on imaging/echo
• Significant hypoxemia or escalating oxygen requirement
• Elevated biomarkers suggesting myocardial stress/injury
• Clinical concern for deterioration, complex comorbidities, or competing bleeding risk
   

How to Activate (24/7)

Clinicians should call 508-674-5600 and ask for “Pulmonary Embolism Response Team.” ED clinicians should call 774-644-3193.

What Patients and Families Should Know

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot—often from the leg—travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. Symptoms may include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart rate, fainting, or coughing. Because PE can affect oxygen levels and heart function, prompt evaluation and treatment are important.

At Saint Anne’s Hospital, PERT helps ensure that patients with PE receive rapid assessment and coordinated specialty care, including advanced therapies when needed.

Follow-Up and Long-Term Care

Some patients benefit from structured follow-up after a PE—especially those with persistent symptoms or right heart strain. Saint Anne’s Hospital can coordinate:

• Post-PE follow-up with pulmonary and/or cardiology
• Evaluation for post-PE syndrome or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) when indicated
• Anticoagulation management support and patient education