Pulmonary Embolism Rapid Response Team: The Standard of Care in Pulmonary Embolism Management Implementation at a Tertiary Care Center in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Objective: Pulmonary embolism (PE) represents a critical medical emergency characterized by the obstruction of pulmonary arteries due to thrombus formation. Timely recognition and management of this condition are crucial for enhancing patient outcomes. Methods: The establishment of the PE response team (PERT) has facilitated the incorporation of multidisciplinary expertise to provide prompt and coordinated interventions aimed at improving clinical outcomes. This review delineates the development and implementation of PERT at Prince Sultan Military Medical City and Prince Sultan Cardiac Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and assesses its impact on patient outcomes, treatment efficiency, and mortality rates. Results: Between January 1 and June 30, 2024, the PERT protocol was activated in 50 cases, with advanced therapeutic interventions being administered in 20 (40%) of these instances. The mortality rate for patients classified as having intermediate-high to high-risk PE was recorded at 10%. The mean time for treatment execution was 2.2 ± 1.2 h. Notably, there were four reported major bleeding events: three of these were linked to systemic thrombolysis, while one occurred in a patient receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The median length of hospital stay associated with PERT interventions was 3 (±2) days. Conclusion: The implementation of PERT has significantly enhanced the utilization of advanced therapeutic strategies for patients with intermediate- to high-risk PE and has been associated with a marked reduction in mortality rates.