The Thromboembolic Disease
& the Pulmonary Embolism

Venous thromboembolism occurs in two major forms: phlebitis, or deep venous thrombosis, and its main complication the pulmonary embolism. Indeed more than 70% of cases of pulmonary embolism (PE) are the result of the migration of blood clots, or emboli, caused by a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limbs, that is, the obstruction of veins by a thrombosis (blood clot).

Pulmonary Embolism is caused by presence of a blood clot in the pulmonary circulation (lungs). The blood clot often originates in the venous system and travel through the large veins to the heart and then proceeds to the artery taking blood to the lungs. Once this artery is blocked circulation to the lung stops which leads to the necrosis of the lung tissue. The symptoms depend upon the extent of damage to the lungs.

It is estimated that approximately four million people** are affected by venous thromboembolism in industrialized countries.

**
The thromboembolic disease is estimated at 350 000 new cases per year in the US with 240 000 deaths by PE- In France 100 000 new cases per year with
10 000 deaths by PE.