Current pharmaceutical design
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Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. Patients with PE can present with a wide array of symptoms, ranging from mild to life threatening. The mainstay of PE treatment is anticoagulation; however, there are many advanced options available for more severe patients, including catheter-directed interventions, surgical treatments, and hemodynamic support. ⋯ PERTs have changed the way complex PE patients are managed. In centers with a PERT, teams are called upon very frequently and there is a significant increase in the use of advanced treatments for PE, although there are differences between centers based upon the center's specific PERT protocol and available capabilities. As PE is an evolving area, and more studies are necessary, PERTs around the world can help advance the field and improve the treatment offered to PE patients.