Panaji: A 37-year-old bank employee, who had recently relocated to Goa to begin a new phase of life, survived a life-threatening pulmonary embolism after receiving emergency treatment at Manipal Hospital Goa. The case highlights the importance of recognising pulmonary embolism as a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention, much like a heart attack or stroke.
The patient suddenly developed severe breathlessness and dangerously low blood pressure. Suspecting a pulmonary embolism, Dr. Haradatt Kharande, Consultant Pulmonary Medicine, ordered a CT Pulmonary Angiography, which confirmed a large blood clot blocking the arteries supplying blood to the lungs.
Recognising the critical nature of the condition, the patient was immediately referred to Manipal Hospital Goa, where advanced catheter-directed pulmonary thrombectomy facilities are available.
Rapid Response Saves a Life
The patient arrived at the hospital late at night in a critical condition with severe strain on his heart due to restricted blood flow to the lungs.
Emergency Physician Dr. Neerja promptly shifted him to the Medical Intensive Care Unit, where the hospital’s Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) was activated.
The multidisciplinary team included:
- Dr. John Muchahary (Pulmonary Medicine)
- Dr. Charudutt Jayant Sambhaji (Endovascular Surgery & Interventional Radiology)
- Dr. Elaine Rodrigues (Critical Care)
- Dr. Yogesh Gaude (Anaesthesia)
After a rapid assessment, the team concluded that clot-dissolving medication alone would not be sufficient because of the patient’s rapidly deteriorating condition. They opted for emergency catheter-directed pulmonary thrombectomy.
Advanced Procedure Restores Blood Flow
Dr. Charudutt Jayant Sambhaji led the minimally invasive procedure, inserting a catheter through a blood vessel to reach the blocked pulmonary arteries and using a specialised suction device to remove the clot.
The results were immediate.
The patient’s pulmonary artery pressure reduced dramatically from 28 mmHg to 8 mmHg, relieving the severe strain on the heart. His heart rate normalised during the procedure itself, and he immediately reported feeling better.
A Race Against Time
Explaining the seriousness of pulmonary embolism, Dr. Charudutt said the condition is comparable to a blocked pipe in a plumbing system.
“The heart continues pumping, but the blood cannot reach the lungs properly to collect oxygen. This puts tremendous pressure on the heart and can become life-threatening within minutes.”
He emphasised that pulmonary embolism should receive the same urgency as heart attacks and strokes.
Recovery and Awareness
The patient’s recovery was steady over the following days. His breathing improved, heart function returned to normal, and follow-up investigations confirmed complete normalisation of heart pressures. Within a week, he returned for review in good health.
Doctors stressed that sudden breathlessness, chest discomfort, fainting spells, or swelling in the legs should never be ignored, as they could indicate pulmonary embolism.
Risk factors include prolonged sitting, dehydration, long-distance travel, certain cancers, and other medical conditions that increase the tendency for blood clot formation.
Teamwork Behind the Success
Doctors credited the successful outcome to seamless coordination between specialists involved from diagnosis through treatment.
The case serves as a reminder that timely diagnosis, specialised care, and rapid intervention can save lives when dealing with pulmonary embolism.
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