Manipal Hospital Goa Launches First-of-its-Kind Pulmonary Embolism Response Team; Strengthens Advanced Clot Care with Landmark Cases

Manipal Hospital Goa Launches First-of-its-Kind Pulmonary Embolism Response Team; Strengthens Advanced Clot Care with Landmark Cases
Panaji, 28 March 2026: Manipal Hospital Goa on March 28, 2026 launched the region’s first Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT), a first-of-its-kind multidisciplinary initiative designed to enable rapid diagnosis and immediate, life-saving treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE)—a leading cause of sudden and preventable deaths.
Distinguished medical leaders including Dr. Charudutt Jayant Sambhaji, Consultant – Endovascular Surgery and Interventional Radiology, Dr. Rakesh Deshmane, Consultant – CTVS, Dr. Elaine Rodrigues, Consultant – Critical Care & Anaesthesiology, Dr. John Muchahary, Consultant – Interventional Pulmonology , Dr. Mahadeva Swamy B C, Consultant – Hemato-Oncology and BMT and Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Goa marking the beginning of a new era in emergency cardiac and pulmonary care in the region, formally inaugurated the program with a ceremonial lamp lighting.
The PERT model brings together specialists from interventional radiology, pulmonary medicine, critical care, emergency medicine, cardiothoracic surgery, and hematology, ensuring real-time, coordinated decision-making in high-risk emergencies where every minute is critical. A key highlight of the program is the integration of advanced AI-enabled thrombectomy systems—Penumbra Lightning FLASH™ and Lightning Bolt™, enabling precise, faster, and minimally invasive clot removal, significantly improving outcomes in critically ill patients.
This strategic launch is strongly reinforced by the hospital’s recent success in managing complex thromboembolic conditions through advanced mechanical thrombectomy procedures, underscoring the need for a structured, rapid-response system like PERT.
In a significant clinical milestone, the hospital performed Western India’s first Pulmonary Artery Mechanical Thrombectomy (second in the country) in a young patient with acute-on-chronic pulmonary embolism. In another complex case, the team successfully carried out a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) thrombectomy in an elderly patient with advanced malignancy. Both high-risk, minimally invasive interventions highlight the hospital’s growing expertise in treating life-threatening vascular conditions.
These procedures were performed in the Cath Lab using the Penumbra Lightning Bolt 12 Modulated Aspiration System, an advanced large-bore aspiration platform designed for rapid, catheter-based clot removal. The multidisciplinary team achieved immediate clinical stabilization and marked recovery in both patients.
Deep Vein Thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins, most commonly in the lower limbs. When extensive, particularly in the iliofemoral veins that drain blood from the pelvis and thigh, it can severely obstruct venous return, causing swelling, pain, and increasing the risk of clots traveling to the lungs. In this case, the elderly patient with advanced cancer presented with a massive iliofemoral clot burden, blocking critical venous pathways.
Instead of relying solely on blood thinners or thrombolytic therapy, the team performed a mechanical thrombectomy, physically removing the clot. The Lightning Bolt 12 system uses modulated aspiration technology that adjusts suction power in real time based on clot characteristics, enabling efficient extraction while limiting blood loss. The procedure successfully restored venous outflow and significantly reduced the risk of further complications.
In the second case, the young patient diagnosed with acute-on-chronic pulmonary embolism had new clots forming over pre-existing organized clots in the pulmonary arteries, severely impairing blood flow and straining the heart. Through pulmonary artery mechanical thrombectomy, the team achieved rapid clot debulking, improving pulmonary circulation, relieving cardiac strain, and ensuring prompt hemodynamic stabilization and recovery.
Commenting on the development, Dr. Charudutt Jayant Sambhaji, Consultant – Endovascular Surgery and Interventional Radiology and Lead – PERT Program, said, “These cases highlight the expanding role of advanced mechanical thrombectomy in managing complex and high-risk thrombotic conditions. PERT ensures that no time is lost in treating this life-threatening condition. With advanced technology and coordinated care, we can significantly improve survival outcomes.”
Mr. Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director, added, “These landmark procedures reflect our team’s clinical expertise and continued commitment to offering advanced, life-saving therapies to patients across Goa and neighboring regions.”
The hospital acknowledged the coordinated efforts of the Cath Lab team, Dr Yogesh, ICU team, and supporting staff whose collaboration was instrumental in the success of these procedures. With the launch of PERT, Manipal Hospital Goa sets a new benchmark in emergency and vascular care in Goa, further strengthening its capability to deliver timely, technology-driven interventions for complex, life-threatening conditions.