Vascular Medicine Conference-CVC 2026

Understanding the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) is crucial for figuring out how serious the situation is and deciding on the best management approach. Patients are placed into categories—low, intermediate, or high risk—based on factors like their hemodynamic stability, any right ventricular dysfunction, and levels of certain biomarkers. Tools like the PESI (Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index) or sPESI are used to gauge the risk of mortality and help determine how intense the treatment should be.

To get a clearer picture, imaging tests such as echocardiography or CT pulmonary angiography are employed to evaluate the strain on the right side of the heart and the amount of clot present. Additionally, biomarkers like troponins and BNP offer further insights into prognosis. By accurately assessing risk, we can ensure that those at high risk receive more aggressive treatments, like thrombolysis or surgical embolectomy, while those at low risk can be effectively managed with just anticoagulation, leading to better outcomes and fewer complications.