High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism

This chapter explores the definition, clinical presentation, diagnostic considerations, and management of high-risk pulmonary embolism. An overview of the available evidence for each therapy including systemic thrombolysis, catheter-directed therapy, and surgical embolectomy is presented as is an outline for the supportive management of right ventricular failure and hypoxia including a review of the current evidence for the use of mechanical circulatory support for this purpose.