Life-Saving, Minimally Invasive Treatment to Remove Lung Blood Clots
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a dangerous blood clot in the lungs that can cause sudden breathlessness, chest pain, collapse, or even death if not treated quickly.
Pulmonary embolism thrombectomy or thrombolysis are advanced, minimally invasive treatments that remove or dissolve the clot, quickly improve blood flow to the lungs, and save lives in selected patients.
These treatments:
No open surgery
Small puncture, no big cuts
Rapid improvement in breathing and circulation
Used for moderate to high-risk PE in selected patients
Pulmonary embolism (PE) happens when a blood clot (usually from the leg or pelvis) travels to the lungs and blocks a lung artery.
Common symptoms include:
Why PE is dangerous:
The procedure is performed by an interventional specialist in a cath lab under X-ray guidance.
Step-by-step:
Pulmonary embolism thrombectomy/thrombolysis is generally safe in experienced centers, especially when benefits outweigh risks.
Possible risks with approximate incidence include:
Treatment choices depend on:
Your clinician will guide you in selecting the safest and most effective option.
Alternative 1: Blood Thinners (Anticoagulation Therapy)
Alternative 2: Clot-Busting Medicines (tPA) via IV
Alternative 3: Surgical Removal of Clots (Pulmonary Embolectomy)
Choosing the Right PE Treatment
For selected patients with severe or high-risk pulmonary embolism, minimally invasive, catheter-based clot removal treatments may offer faster relief with lower risk compared to IV clot-busting drugs or surgery. A rapid, expert evaluation is essential.
📌 Catheter-based thrombectomy/thrombolysis is usually chosen for moderate to high-risk PE or when the patient is worsening despite medicines.
After treatment:
Early treatment helps protect your heart and lungs and improves recovery.
Pulmonary embolism thrombectomy removes a blood clot from the lung arteries using special catheter-based devices, while thrombolysis uses clot-dissolving medicine delivered directly into the clot through a thin tube.
A pulmonary embolism is a dangerous blood clot in the lungs, usually coming from a clot in the leg, that blocks blood flow and can cause sudden breathlessness, chest pain, collapse, or even death.
These treatments are considered for patients with:
No. It is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure, not open chest surgery.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia and often light sedation, so most patients feel minimal discomfort.
The procedure usually takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the size and location of the clot.
Yes. In experienced centers and selected patients, it is safe and effective. Serious complications like major bleeding are uncommon.
Possible risks include bleeding, heart rhythm problems, allergic reaction to contrast dye, or infection. Major complications are rare compared to the benefit in severe PE.
Yes. Blood thinners are still required to prevent new clots from forming in the future.
Many patients notice improvement in breathing and oxygen levels within hours to days, depending on how severe the PE was.
Yes. Most patients stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring, especially after thrombolysis or thrombectomy.
Yes. PE can recur, which is why long-term medicines and follow-up are very important.
Blood thinners prevent new clots and help the body dissolve clots slowly. Thrombectomy/thrombolysis removes or dissolves the clot faster, which is important in severe or high-risk PE.
Patients with high bleeding risk, recent major surgery, or certain medical conditions may not be suitable. Your doctor will decide after careful evaluation.
Yes. Pulmonary embolism thrombectomy and thrombolysis are available in advanced cardiac and interventional centers across India.
Rapid removal or dissolution of the clot
Faster improvement in breathing and heart strain
Minimally invasive, no big surgery
Life-saving in severe cases
Helps protect the heart and lungs long term
If you or your loved one has sudden breathlessness, chest pain, collapse, or diagnosed pulmonary embolism, every minute matters.
