Best Pulmonary Embolism Doctors in Mumbai

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a condition where one or more of the lung's blood vessels are obstructed by a blood clot. This blockage often originates from the legs and impedes blood flow to the lungs, leading to complications that can be fatal if left untreated. Factors contributing to the risk of PE include prolonged inactivity, certain genetic conditions, cancer, major surgery, trauma, postpartum period, obesity, and smoking.

Apollo Hospitals Mumbai houses some of the best doctors for pulmonary embolism treatment who can professionally manage this disease and its complications. These pulmonologists and doctors for pulmonary embolism treatment combined with advanced state-of-the-art technology such as Dual Source CT scanners for accurate and fast diagnosis. They employ a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the best possible therapeutic outcome.

Types/Stages of Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism can take many forms depending on factors such as the severity of the blockage and any accompanying conditions:

• Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Characterised by an abrupt blockage in the pulmonary arteries usually due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

• Chronic Pulmonary Embolism: Occurs gradually due to repeated DVT episodes or other conditions.

• Subsegmental Pulmonary Embolism: Involves a blockage in the smaller branches of pulmonary arteries.

• Pulmonary Infarction: A block of pulmonary arteries causing part of lung tissue to die.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

The most common symptoms of PE can include:

• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing even when not engaging in physical activity.

• Chest Pain: A sharp, stabbing pain in the chest area which intensifies with deep breathing or coughing.

• Coughing: Coughing up blood or frothy sputum.

• Fever: A rise in body temperature, often accompanied by chills.

• Lightheadedness or dizziness: Feeling faint or dizzy, usually coupled with shortness of breath.

Tests to Diagnose Pulmonary Embolism

Healthcare professionals and pulmonary embolism treatment doctors often use several diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of PE, including:

• Blood Tests: To determine the presence of a protein that often is elevated when there are blood clots.

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A type of X-ray that provides detailed images of the lungs to detect any blockages.

• Pulmonary Angiogram: This imaging test visualises the blood flow in the lungs and can help identify blockages.

• Ultrasound: Used primarily to detect deep vein thrombosis in the legs which could cause PE.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's interior.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Pulmonary Embolism at Apollo Hospitals Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals Mumbai offers a variety of treatment options for PE, including:

• Anticoagulation Therapy: Use of medications like warfarin or heparin to prevent further clotting.

• Thrombolytic Therapy: Administering tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to dissolve existing blood clots.

• Surgical Embolectomy: Surgical removal of the blood clot from the pulmonary arteries.

• Pulmonary Angiography: An imaging procedure utilised for diagnosing PE.

• Intra-Arterial Therapy: Involving perfusion and embolism of bronchial arteries to enhance treatment results in patients with advanced pulmonary carcinoma.