Aspirus PERT program improves outcomes for patients with pulmonary embolism
10/6/2025
Dr. Marcus Sublette, Aspirus Interventional Cardiologist
A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the arteries of the lungs, most often caused by a blood clot that forms in the legs or lower body and travels upward. It is a condition that can range from a nuisance to life threatening.
Although pulmonary embolism is common, it remains under recognized among both the public and providers. A 2024 study of U.S. emergency departments found that pulmonary embolism diagnoses nearly doubled in recent years.
“Pulmonary embolism can be overlooked because it overlaps with symptoms of other conditions,” said Marcus Sublette, MD, Aspirus Interventional Cardiologist. “Many people do not realize that sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or even fainting could signal a blood clot that needs immediate attention.”
To improve recognition and treatment, Aspirus established a Pulmonary Embolism Response Team, or PERT. A PERT is a multidisciplinary group of specialists that includes cardiology, critical care, and hospital medicine. The team works together to respond rapidly to suspected or confirmed pulmonary embolism cases and ensures patients receive coordinated evaluation and treatment.
National studies show hospitals that use PERT models achieve better collaboration and, when activated early, can reduce mortality. At Aspirus, the program has also reduced length of stay while maintaining strong outcomes for patients.
“Patients today benefit from advances that are not necessarily new to medicine but are now being applied in a coordinated way at Aspirus,” Dr. Sublette said. “By working together across specialties, we are able to deliver faster treatment and help more people return home safely.”
Pulmonary embolism is often overlooked, but awareness is improving through programs like PERT. Anyone who experiences sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or unexplained fainting should seek medical attention right away, especially if they have risk factors such as recent surgery, cancer, trauma, clotting disorders, or long periods of inactivity. Talking with a primary care provider about individual risk can also help identify concerns before they become emergencies.
For more information about pulmonary embolism care and resources, visit www.aspirus.org/heartcare.
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