Code Stroke, Code Heart, Code Lung? Multidisciplinary Rapid Response Teams for the Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism

Purpose: To describe the origins, components, and structure of the Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT), as well as review published institutional outcomes since national PERT implementation

Materials and Methods: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, with an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 deaths per year . Like other vascular events, including cardiac and cerebral ischemia, a prompt and coordinated multidisciplinary response is important to ensure optimal clinical outcomes in patients with acute PE, particularly given newer available percutaneous treatment options. The PERT, modeled off of Rapid Response Systems (RRS) for patients with sudden cardiac arrest, is an attempt to provide coordinated, rapid, and effective therapy for acute PE.

Results: (1) To review the structure of an RRS to better understand the origins and design of the PERT; (2) to describe the structure, components, and function of a PERT, including a general algorithm for activation; 3) to describe institutions currently using PERTs and their experience; and (4) to review the current published literature on the outcomes of PERT implementation

Conclusions: After reviewing this exhibit, the viewer will have a better understanding of the structure, function, components, and nationwide utilization of the PERT, as well as early outcomes data.