Many deaths from pulmonary embolism are predictable and preventable. The key to prevention is for the physicians in charge to be paying proper attention.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot which has formed in a vein in one part of the body (often the leg), breaks off and travels to the lungs. If the embolism is large enough, or if prior emboli have
traveled to the lungs, this can be fatal. Patients who have an increased risk of forming blood clots are more likely to develop a pulmonary embolism. Risk factors for such blood clot formation include trauma, surgery, limited mobility, bed rest or hospitalization, obesity, or a prior history of blood clot formation. When a blood clot forms in the deep veins of a patient’s leg (Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT), this poses a serious risk for pulmonary embolism, and must be dealt with medically.
Blood clots in a patient’s leg can typically be diagnosed by a Sonogram, Ultrasound, or Doppler Study. Once diagnosed, treatment with anticoagulants is necessary. Often smaller portions of a blood clot will break off and travel to the lungs before the main clot. These smaller emboli are like “warning shots” to the patient and physician, and require immediate life saving action. The symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, which should signal an alarm to the treating physician, include dizziness, chest pain, passing out or feeling faint, rapid breathing or heart palpitations. All of the symptoms do not have to be present, and any one of them should alert the physician to be on the lookout for pulmonary embolism. In the face of such
symptoms, an imaging study such as a CT Scan or lung Scan is necessary, in order to look at the veins and arteries of the lungs. If an embolism is detected on such imaging studies, “Clot-Busters”, such as TPA, Urokinase or Streptokinase can be used to melt away the clot. Thereafter, the patient can be anticoagulated with Heparin and Coumadin, to prevent new clots from forming. While a patient is on these medications it is important for their doctor to monitor the medication levels. If a patient is not on enough blood thinners, or is on too much, that can spell trouble. Fortunately, a simple blood test will tell a physician whether the patient is on the proper dosage of medication.
Unfortunately, too many doctors do not avail themselves of blood testing, and patients often die because they were not on the right medication dosage.
Here at Bonina & Bonina we have represented numerous families who have lost loved ones due to predictable, and preventable,
pulmonary emboli.
If you feel that a family member or loved one perished due to a pulmonary embolism which should have been diagnosed and treated earlier, please feel free to call us
at 1-888-MEDLAW1.
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