Best Pulmonary Embolism Doctors in Visakhapatnam

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant health condition characterised by a sudden blockage in the pulmonary arteries, which carry blood from the heart to the lungs. This blockage is typically caused by a blood clot that has travelled from another part of the body, most commonly the legs. The resulting reduction in blood flow to the lungs can lead to severe complications and, if left untreated, can be fatal. Factors that make one prone to PE include prolonged immobility, genetic conditions such as factor V Leiden, abdominal or pelvic cancer, major surgeries, trauma, postpartum period of pregnancy, obesity and smoking.

In Vizag, on the east coast of India, Apollo Hospitals' team of dedicated medical experts are well-experienced in diagnosing and treating PE. The hospital is equipped with the best doctors for pulmonary embolism treatment and offers advanced facilities for the comprehensive care of patients with this condition.

Types/Stages of Pulmonary Embolism

Based on the progression and impact of the emboli severity and underlying conditions, doctors treating pulmonary embolism categorise it into:

• Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Characterised by a sudden blockage in the pulmonary arteries, generally caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

• Chronic Pulmonary Embolism: This is a gradual blockage resulting from repeated episodes of DVT or other conditions.

• Subsegmental Pulmonary Embolism: Characterised by blockage in the smaller branches of pulmonary arteries.

• Pulmonary Infarction: Refers to tissue death due to extreme blockage of pulmonary arteries.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

The symptoms vary according to the extent of the blockage and may include:

• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing even when at rest.

• Chest pain: Sharp, stabbing or aching pain in the chest that worsens with deep breathing or coughing.

• Coughing: Coughing up blood or frothy sputum.

• Fever: Elevated body temperature, often accompanied by chills.

• Dizziness: Feeling faint or dizzy, often accompanied by shortness of breath.

Tests to Diagnose Pulmonary Embolism

At Apollo Hospitals Vizag, several tests are used by pulmonologists and doctors who treat pulmonary embolism to confirm the diagnosis:

• D-dimer Test: Measures the level of a substance released when blood clots break up, with high levels suggesting possible PE.

• Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA): Uses contrast dye and detailed imaging to visualise pulmonary artery clots.

• Ventilation-Perfusion (V/Q) Scan: Assesses airflow and blood flow in the lungs, identifying mismatches indicative of PE.

• Ultrasound (Doppler Ultrasound): Detects deep vein thrombosis in the legs, which can lead to PE.

• Pulmonary Angiography: Involves direct injection of contrast dye into pulmonary arteries for detailed imaging of clots.

• Chest X-ray: Helps rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as pneumonia, though not definitive for PE.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Evaluates heart activity to identify potential right heart strain associated with PE.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Pulmonary Embolism at Apollo Hospitals Vizag

Apollo Hospitals Vizag offers a comprehensive range of treatment and surgical options for PE, including but not limited to:

• Anticoagulation therapy: Medications such as warfarin or heparin are administered to prevent further clotting.

• Thrombolytic therapy: Medicines like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) are used to dissolve existing blood clots.

• Surgical embolectomy: The surgical removal of the blood clot from the pulmonary arteries.

• Catheter-assisted thrombus removal: A thin tube is inserted to suction large clots from the artery.

• Vein filter: It is placed in a body's main vein called the vena cava to prevent blood clots that break loose in leg veins from lodging in your lungs.