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Innovative Treatment for Pulmonary Embolism - Kingwood

Innovative Treatment for Pulmonary Embolism - Kingwood

Published: Apr 26, 2017, 1:00pm

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Stanley Botten, 77, experienced his first pulmonary embolism (PE) two years ago after prostate surgery. To avoid the bleeding risks associated with using blood thinners to dissolve the clot, his doctors implanted an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter, which is designed to catch clots before they travel to the pulmonary artery. The temporary filter stayed in place two months, and Botten required oxygen therapy much of that time.

In January 2017, Botten underwent surgery to repair a hiatal hernia. Although the surgery was extensive, it was successful and he was discharged to recuperate and monitor his oxygen level at home. A few days later, he began feeling worse and noticed his oxygen level had decreased. Botten rushed to an emergency center where an enhanced CT scan revealed another pulmonary embolism.

Botten was quickly transferred to Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital, where Khaled Khalaf, M.D., FACC, an interventional cardiologist, determined Botten was a good candidate for the EkoSonic® Endovascular System (EKOS) with Acoustic Pulse Thrombolysis. Using ultrasound waves in combination with medication delivered through a catheter directly to a clot, the EKOS treatment quickly restores blood flow, typically dissolving a clot within 24 hours.

"I had the EKOS procedure on a Monday and was discharged by Wednesday," Botten said. "I was awake and alert the whole time, but the process itself was painless. Almost immediately my oxygen level increased and I was able to breathe much easier."

According to the National Institutes of Health, PE can happen at any age and occurs equally in men and women. The risk does increase with age, doubling every 10 years after age 60. The risk is higher in those who have a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is also higher for patients like Botten who have a history of PE.

Dr. Khalaf explained because Botten was sedentary while recovering from surgery, he was particularly at risk of developing a clot.

"Although PE is a blood clot that travels to the lungs, your heart and lungs are attached like a plumbing system. The clot causes pressure overload on the right side of the heart. If not treated promptly, PEs can lead to permanent heart failure. Mr. Botten was already showing evidence of right-sided heart failure," Dr. Khalaf said.

While Botten is still recovering from his hernia surgery, he has already fully recovered from his embolism.

"Within two weeks I stopped oxygen therapy. The turnaround was immediate," Botten added. "I still monitor my oxygen level and take a blood thinner daily, but it was a fantastic experience."

Dr. Khalaf stressed early intervention is key when addressing pulmonary embolisms. Symptoms include:

* Unexplained shortness of breath
* Problems breathing
* Chest pain
* Coughing up blood
* An irregular heartbeat

For more information on lung disease and respiratory health, including prevention, risk factors and treatments, visit memorialhermann.org/lung-and-respiratory.

To find a doctor, visit www.memorialhermann.org/schedulenow/.

To learn more about Memorial Hermann Northeast, visit http://www.memorialhermann.org/locations/northeast/ or call 281.540.7700.


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