Dr. Ibrahim Zahid

This inaugural episode of the CardioNerds Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Series explores the evolution of acute PE care. Dr. Ibrahim Zahid, Dr. Dinu Balanescu, and Dr. Billy Joe Mullinax join guest expert Dr. Kenneth Rosenfield to discuss the shifting landscape of PE management.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality and a frequent diagnostic challenge, often masquerading as myocardial infarction or a benign illness. Over the past decade, PE care has evolved from anticoagulation-only strategies to nuanced, risk-stratified, multidisciplinary management. Modern approaches integrate hemodynamics, biomarkers, and advanced imaging to guide therapy, including catheter-directed interventions and large-bore thrombectomy. The Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) model addresses historical gaps by coordinating rapid, multispecialty decision-making and standardizing care pathways. The PERT Consortium further advances PE care through education, research, and the world’s largest PE registry, while fostering leadership and research opportunities for trainees. Despite advances, long-term outcomes and post-PE syndromes remain important areas for future investigation. Audio editing by CardioNerds Academy intern, student doctor, Pace Wetstein.