Goa Gets First Pulmonary Embolism Rapid Response System at Manipal Hospital

Manipal Hospital Goa on March 28, 2026, introduced a Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT), a multidisciplinary system aimed at improving the speed and coordination of care for patients with pulmonary embolism (PE), a condition linked to sudden and preventable deaths.

The initiative brings together specialists from interventional radiology, pulmonary medicine, critical care, emergency medicine, cardiothoracic surgery and hematology to enable real-time decision-making in high-risk cases. The system is designed to ensure faster diagnosis and treatment, where delays can significantly affect patient outcomes.

The hospital has also integrated thrombectomy systems such as the Penumbra Lightning FLASH and Lightning Bolt, which are used for minimally invasive removal of blood clots. These technologies allow faster intervention and are aimed at improving recovery in critically ill patients.

The launch follows recent procedures carried out at the hospital involving complex thromboembolic conditions. In one case, a pulmonary artery mechanical thrombectomy was performed on a young patient with acute-on-chronic pulmonary embolism. In another, an elderly patient with advanced cancer underwent a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) thrombectomy.

Deep vein thrombosis involves the formation of blood clots in deep veins, commonly in the legs, which can obstruct blood flow and increase the risk of clots travelling to the lungs. In the elderly patient, a large clot burden in the iliofemoral veins had blocked key venous pathways.

Doctors carried out a mechanical thrombectomy using a catheter-based system to remove the clot. The procedure restored blood flow and reduced the risk of complications.

In the second case, the young patient had multiple clots affecting pulmonary circulation and placing strain on the heart. The thrombectomy procedure helped restore blood flow and stabilise the patient.

Hospital officials said the procedures were carried out in the Cath Lab, with coordinated efforts from medical teams including intensive care and support staff.

With the introduction of PERT, the hospital has added a structured emergency response system for managing pulmonary embolism and related vascular conditions.