Nguyen Phong Huu, a 60-year-old American of Vietnamese origin, was recently saved from a life-threatening bilateral pulmonary artery embolism at FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Doctors performed an emergency blood clot aspiration, leading to his recovery within one week.

A month before his emergency admission, Mr. Huu experienced a rapid heartbeat but did not seek medical attention as the symptoms were not severe. However, one morning, a friend found him critically ill, struggling to breathe and turning cyanotic, prompting an immediate call to emergency services. Unable to speak Vietnamese, Mr. Huu was directed to FV Hospital to ensure effective communication and treatment. During transport, he received nebulized medication and oxygen support via a mask.

The patient received an oxygen mask and was transferred directly to the emergency room. Photo: FV Hospital

Upon arrival, Mr. Huu was immediately taken to the emergency room. Dr. Ha Thi Hanh, from FV Hospital's Emergency and Accident Department, noted that despite improved complexion from oxygen, his blood oxygen levels remained critically low. His medical history revealed asthma, long-term smoking, and a recent episode of cough, fever, and chest pain.

Based on his clinical symptoms, Dr. Hanh suspected a blood clot obstructing his respiratory system. A D-dimer blood test confirmed this suspicion with significantly elevated levels. Subsequent CT pulmonary angiography with contrast clearly showed both branches of his pulmonary artery were almost completely blocked.

Dr. Ho Minh Tuan performed the procedure to aspirate blood clots, reducing pulmonary artery blockage. Photo: FV Hospital

"Mr. Huu was diagnosed with a critical pulmonary embolism. With this level of blockage, most patients face acute cardiopulmonary failure or the risk of sudden death. Mr. Huu's survival until hospital admission was extremely rare," Dr. Hanh stated.

Recognizing the urgency, a multi-specialty team quickly convened. Dr. Hanh consulted a vascular intervention specialist, and they collectively decided to perform a blood clot aspiration. Dr. Ho Minh Tuan, Head of Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology at FV Hospital, led the procedure. Due to extensive clots in both the main trunk and side branches of the pulmonary artery, the team utilized a specialized suction catheter and a fragmentation device to gradually and completely remove the blood clots. The one-hour intervention cleared the patient's airway, significantly reducing dangerous pressure on his heart.

The day after the procedure, Mr. Huu's blood oxygen saturation improved markedly, rising from 88% to 92%. He was then transferred to an inpatient room to begin cardiopulmonary rehabilitation physiotherapy and was discharged after one week.

The patient was guided through physiotherapy to quickly restore heart and lung function. Photo: FV Hospital

Reflecting on his treatment, Mr. Huu shared his surprise at the prompt care. "I used to think emergency room visits meant long waits, but at FV, I was taken directly to a room with doctors on standby," he said. "Dr. Hanh communicated very well in English and explained everything thoroughly. Every time I coughed, the staff would check on me attentively. That gentle care made me feel extremely secure."

Dr. Ho Minh Tuan explained the unusual formation of such large blood clots. Over the past eight months, Mr. Huu had frequently taken long-haul flights. Sitting still for 12 to 24 consecutive hours can cause blood to pool in the legs, forming clots that then travel through the bloodstream to block the pulmonary arteries.

Dr. Tuan emphasized that pulmonary embolism is a dangerous yet often overlooked condition. It commonly affects elderly, inactive individuals, those who travel long distances by car or plane, cancer patients, and women using oral contraceptives.

Dr. Ho Minh Tuan, Head of Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology at FV Hospital. Photo: FV Hospital

FV Hospital's Emergency Department routinely manages critical cases such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary embolism. Their rapid response, timely diagnosis, and multi-specialty coordination significantly shorten the time from emergency admission and diagnosis to intervention and resuscitation. The medical team's proficiency in multiple foreign languages also facilitates effective medical history taking and treatment communication with international patients, particularly in emergencies requiring swift decisions.

FV Hospital adheres to international JCI safety standards and has invested in modern paraclinical systems, Cathlab, and operating rooms. This infrastructure supports seamless multi-specialty collaboration in emergency and patient care. The hospital also applies the highest health insurance benefits for emergency cases, combines private insurance benefits, and offers installment payment plans for hospital fees to optimize costs for patients.

Hai My

For more information on cardiovascular emergencies, contact FV Hospital:

Address: 6 Nguyen Luong Bang, Tan My Ward (formerly District 7), TP HCM

Phone: (028) 3511 3333

Emergency Hotline: (028) 3511 3500

Operating License No. 79/BYT-GPHD, since 2013

Scope of Professional Activities: Performing specialized technical procedures approved by the Minister of Health and issued with the operating license.