Abstract
Pulmonary embolism is a major cause of mortality worldwide. In this historical perspective,
we aim to provide an overview of the rich medical history surrounding pulmonary embolism.
We highlight Virchow's first steps toward understanding the pathophysiology in the
1800s. We see how those insights inspired early attempts at intervention such as surgical
pulmonary embolectomy and caval ligation. Those early interventions were refined and
ultimately led to the development of inferior vena cava filters, the earliest clinical
applications of anticoagulation, and even apparently disparate medical advances such
as the successful development of cardiopulmonary bypass. We also see how the diagnosis
of pulmonary embolism has evolved from rudimentary monitoring of vitals and symptoms
to the development of evermore sophisticated tests such as contrast tomography angiography
and echocardiography. Finally, we discuss current approaches to diagnosis, classification,
and myriad treatments including anticoagulation, thrombolysis, catheter-directed interventions,
surgical embolectomy, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation guided by Pulmonary
Embolism Response Teams.
Keywords
pulmonary embolism - Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams - extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
- embolectomy
