If you've been diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, a new treatment option could mean getting home faster and with fewer complications. Southeast Georgia Health System is now offering the Inari FlowTriever system, a minimally invasive procedure that removes large blood clots from the lungs without requiring the traditional clot-dissolving medications that typically mean a week-long hospital stay and intensive care monitoring.

What Exactly Is a Pulmonary Embolism and Why Does It Matter?

A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks the pulmonary arteries, restricting blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs. The condition often starts as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a clot that forms in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis and then travels upward to the lungs. Without quick treatment, a PE can be life-threatening. Patients typically experience shortness of breath, chest pain, and increased heart strain. In severe cases, the condition can lead to heart failure, stroke, or even death.

How Does the Inari FlowTriever Procedure Work?

The Inari FlowTriever is performed by interventional cardiologists in a cardiac catheterization lab, a specialized facility where doctors can visualize blood vessels and guide tiny instruments through them. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on clot-dissolving drugs or open surgery, this procedure physically removes the clot using a catheter-based device, restoring healthy blood flow more gently and quickly.

"Before treatment, patients may feel short of breath, notice a racing heart and struggle with high pressure in the lungs. After the Inari procedure, breathing becomes easy again, the heart rate returns to normal and lung pressures are cut in half, making a real difference in how they feel," explained Matthew E. Certain, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist with Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Cardiology.

Matthew E. Certain, MD, Board-Certified Interventional Cardiologist, Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Cardiology

What Are the Key Benefits Compared to Traditional Treatment?

The advantages of the Inari procedure extend beyond just faster clot removal. Patients who previously spent about a week in the hospital receiving continuous blood thinner infusions now often go home in just two or three days. This shorter hospital stay also means a significantly lower risk of bleeding complications, one of the major side effects associated with clot-dissolving medications.

• Hospital Stay Duration: Traditional treatment requires approximately one week of hospitalization with continuous blood thinner infusions, while the Inari procedure typically allows discharge in two to three days.
• Bleeding Risk: Clot-dissolving drugs carry a higher risk of bleeding complications, whereas the Inari procedure's mechanical approach avoids this medication-related risk.
• Recovery Speed: Patients experience faster restoration of normal heart rate and lung pressure, allowing them to return to daily activities sooner.

How to Prepare for and Understand Pulmonary Rehabilitation After Treatment

After treatment for a PE or related lung condition, many patients benefit from structured pulmonary rehabilitation. Southeast Georgia Health System offers a comprehensive program that includes exercise, education, and support for people recovering from or managing chronic breathing problems. This rehabilitation approach can't cure underlying lung disease, but it helps patients maximize the lung function they have and improve their quality of life.

• Exercise Training: Supervised physical activity helps rebuild strength and endurance after hospitalization and improves overall cardiovascular fitness.
• Education and Symptom Management: Learning about your condition, recognizing warning signs, and understanding how to manage symptoms reduces anxiety and helps prevent future complications.
• Psychological Support: Pulmonary rehabilitation programs address anxiety and depression, which commonly occur after a life-threatening event like a PE.
• Functional Improvement: Structured rehabilitation increases your ability to perform daily activities without shortness of breath or excessive fatigue.

The pulmonary rehabilitation program at Southeast Georgia Health System is designed for people with various chronic lung conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.

"In severe PE cases, heart failure or stroke may occur, leading to a fatal event," Dr. Certain noted, emphasizing the importance of quick and effective treatment.

Matthew E. Certain, MD, Board-Certified Interventional Cardiologist, Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Cardiology

For patients facing a PE diagnosis, the availability of advanced, minimally invasive options like the Inari FlowTriever represents a significant shift in how these dangerous clots are managed. By offering this FDA-cleared technology on its Brunswick Campus, Southeast Georgia Health System ensures that patients can access cutting-edge care close to home, reducing both the physical burden of hospitalization and the emotional stress of a life-threatening condition.