Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition in which a blood clot blocks the arteries in the lungs, most commonly originating from the legs (deep vein thrombosis). This condition can disrupt blood flow and oxygen supply throughout the body, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and even loss of consciousness. Treatment for pulmonary embolism generally includes blood thinners (anticoagulants), clot-dissolving medications (thrombolytics), and in certain cases, interventional procedures to directly remove or dissolve the blockage.
At RS Mandaya Royal Puri, EKOS (EkoSonic Endovascular System) technology is available to provide more effective treatment for pulmonary embolism. This technology allows clot-dissolving medication to be delivered directly to the blockage with the assistance of ultrasound waves, enabling the medication to work more efficiently in breaking down the clot.
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Understanding EKOS and How It Works for Pulmonary Embolism Treatment
EKOS is a medical technology designed to safely and rapidly dissolve blood clots in pulmonary embolism. The procedure is minimally invasive (without major surgery), using a catheter (a small tube inserted into a blood vessel) to deliver clot-dissolving medication directly to the site of blockage.
EKOS also utilizes targeted ultrasound waves directed at the clot. These waves help loosen and separate fibrin (the main protein that forms blood clots), allowing the medication to penetrate deeper and work more effectively in dissolving the clot.
How EKOS works in treating pulmonary embolism:
- A catheter (small tube) is inserted into a blood vessel and guided directly to the clot in the lungs
- Thrombolytic medication is delivered directly through the catheter to the blockage
- EKOS generates ultrasound waves targeted at the clot
- The ultrasound waves help loosen and thin the fibrin structure, making the clot more open
- This process exposes more drug receptor sites, allowing the medication to work more effectively
- Acoustic streaming (energy flow from ultrasound waves) helps push the medication deeper into the clot
- This combination enables faster, more even clot dissolution with lower medication doses
Advantages of EKOS in Pulmonary Embolism Treatment
Some of the key advantages of EKOS include:
1. Faster clot dissolution
- Accelerates the breakdown of blood clots
- More effective than standard catheter-based therapy or thrombectomy (clot removal procedure)
- Requires shorter treatment time compared to conventional methods
2. Safer and more targeted treatment
- Reduces the risk of bleeding and other complications
- Dissolves clots without damaging blood vessels, valves, or vessel walls
3. More effective drug delivery
- Can reduce medication dosage by up to approximately 68% compared to standard catheter-based therapy
- Uses up to 4 times less medication compared to systemic (whole-body) delivery
- Helps improve heart function (RV/LV ratio, which compares the size of the right and left heart chambers) with relatively low doses
4. Improved drug absorption in the clot
- Drug absorption increases by up to 48% within the first hour
- Drug absorption increases by up to 84% within two hours
With these advantages, EKOS is considered a faster, more effective, and safer option for treating pulmonary embolism.
EKOS Service at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri by dr. Suci Indriani, Sp.JP (K), FIHA
EKOS procedures for pulmonary embolism treatment at RS Mandaya Royal Puri are performed by dr. Suci Indriani, Sp.JP (K), FIHA, a cardiologist specializing in interventional and vascular cardiology.
dr. Suci has extensive experience in managing various vascular conditions, including pulmonary embolism, venous thrombosis, peripheral artery disease, and varicose veins. She completed her general medical and cardiology training at the University of Indonesia and further enhanced her expertise through international training programs in Belgium, the Netherlands, South Korea, and India, focusing on endovascular therapy and vascular diseases.
As an interventional and vascular cardiology consultant, dr. Suci is skilled in procedures such as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), IFR & FFR (tests to assess blood flow in coronary arteries), non-invasive vascular diagnostics, endovascular interventions, and endovenous ablation therapy (EVLA) for vascular disorders.
Practice schedule:
- Monday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Friday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
If you would like to learn more about pulmonary embolism and its treatment using EKOS technology, you are encouraged to consult dr. Suci Indriani, Sp.JP (K), FIHA at RS Mandaya Royal Puri.
To make your visit easier, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter app available on Google Play and the App Store to manage appointments, check queue numbers, and access additional information.
The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes and general overview only, and may not represent the full scope of medical services offered by each doctor. For proper diagnosis and treatment, it is recommended to consult directly with the respective doctor.
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.
