Interhospital Transfer of Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Challenges and Opportunities.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-2021

Publication Title

Chest

Abstract

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The management paradigm for acute PE has evolved in recent years with wider availability of advanced treatment modalities ranging from catheter-directed reperfusion therapies to mechanical circulatory support. This evolution has coincided with the development and implementation of institutional pulmonary embolism response teams (PERT) nationwide and internationally. Because most institutions are not equipped or staffed for advanced PE care, patients often require transfer to centers with more comprehensive resources, including PERT expertise. One of the unmet needs in current PE care is an organized approach to the process of interhospital transfer (IHT) of critically ill PE patients. In this review, we discuss medical optimization and support of patients before and during transfer, transfer checklists, defined roles of emergency medical services, and the roles and responsibilities of referring and receiving centers involved in the IHT of acute PE patients.

Volume

160

Issue

5

First Page

1844

Last Page

1852

DOI

10.1016/j.chest.2021.07.013

ISSN

1931-3543

PubMed ID

34273391

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