Cardiology
Pulmonary embolism, cardiac tamponade & obstructive shock
Obstructive shock occurs when a mechanical obstruction impairs cardiac output, leading to hemodynamic instability and organ dysfunction. Among the most critical causes are pulmonary embolism and cardiac tamponade, both of which require rapid recognition and timely intervention to improve survival.
This section covers:
- Pulmonary embolism, with the latest ESC guidelines on diagnosis, risk stratification, anticoagulation, thrombolysis, and long-term management.
- Cardiac tamponade, focusing on advances in imaging, risk assessment, and modern therapeutic approaches to guide clinical decision-making.
By integrating early hemodynamic assessment, imaging modalities, and guideline-directed management, clinicians can rapidly identify and treat life-threatening obstructions, improving outcomes for critically ill patients.
Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism
2019 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism developed in collaboration with the European Respiratory Society (ERS): The Task Force for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
Stavros V Konstantinides et al., European Heart Journal (2020)
What’s inside
This article presents the 2019 ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism, offering evidence-based recommendations for risk stratification, treatment, and follow-up.
Why it’s relevant
Acute pulmonary embolism is a potentially fatal condition requiring rapid and precise management. These guidelines provide updated strategies to improve patient care.
Key focus
- Diagnostic pathways, including imaging and biomarkers
- Risk stratification and management based on severity
- Anticoagulation therapy and indications for thrombolysis or surgical interventions
- Long-term follow-up and prevention of recurrence
Takeaway
The 2019 ESC guidelines are essential for managing acute pulmonary embolism, emphasizing risk-based approaches to optimize treatment and improve outcomes.
Catheter-based therapy (CBT)
Percutaneous treatment modalities for pulmonary embolism
Percutaneous treatment options for acute pulmonary embolism: a clinical consensus statement by the ESC Working Group on Pulmonary Circulation and Right Ventricular Function and the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions
Piotr Pruszczyk et al., EuroIntervention (2022)
What’s inside
This clinical consensus statement provides an in-depth review of percutaneous treatment options for acute pulmonary embolism (PE), focusing on minimally invasive techniques and their role in improving patient outcomes. The article outlines the selection criteria for appropriate patients and discusses various percutaneous methods, including thrombolysis, thrombectomy, and catheter-directed therapies, based on clinical evidence and expert recommendations.
Why it’s relevant
Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition requiring rapid intervention. Percutaneous techniques are an important alternative for patients who are not suitable candidates for systemic thrombolysis or surgical intervention, offering effective outcomes with lower risks and quicker recovery.
Key focus
- Overview of percutaneous treatment modalities for PE
- Patient selection criteria for percutaneous interventions
- Comparison of outcomes between different percutaneous therapies
- Integration of these approaches into clinical practice guidelines for PE management
Takeaway
The consensus supports the use of percutaneous interventions as a valuable treatment strategy for acute PE, especially in patients with contraindications to conventional therapies. These methods have shown promising results in terms of reducing mortality and improving recovery, emphasizing the need for timely and individualized care.
Interventional treatment of venous thromboembolism
2025 ESVM Guidelines on interventional treatment of venous thromboembolism
Oliver Schlager et al., Vasa (2025)
What’s inside
The 2025 ESVM Guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the interventional treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It emphasizes the importance of catheter-based therapy (CBT) and the involvement of vascular experts in decision-making processes.
Why it’s relevant
These guidelines are crucial for critical care professionals as they offer standardized approaches to improve outcomes in patients with VTE. They highlight the necessity of a multidisciplinary team approach and the use of advanced thrombectomy systems to enhance treatment efficacy and safety.
Key focus
- Importance of CBT in managing acute VTE
- Role of vascular experts in patient selection and management
- Use of advanced thrombectomy systems for improved outcomes
- Multidisciplinary approach in treatment and follow-up
Cardiac tamponade
Pericardial effusions & cardiac tamponade
New Approaches to Management of Pericardial Effusions
George Lazaros et al., Current Cardiology Reports (2021)
What’s inside
This article reviews new approaches to the diagnosis and management of pericardial effusions, focusing on advances in imaging, risk assessment, and therapeutic strategies.
Why it’s relevant
Pericardial effusions can lead to life-threatening conditions such as tamponade. Understanding modern management techniques is crucial for improving outcomes.
Key focus
- Advances in imaging techniques for accurate diagnosis
- Risk stratification to guide treatment decisions
- Updates on therapeutic options, including percutaneous interventions
Takeaway
The article highlights the importance of integrating advanced diagnostics and tailored therapies for effective management of pericardial effusions.