Lifesaving Care for Rare Embolism Delivered at Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health

Rick Wieand is no stranger to healthcare, but as he quickly learned in late 2025, being a patient is much different than being a caregiver. The Air Force veteran and retired respiratory therapist worked in healthcare for 42 years. His perspective changed when he was diagnosed with a rare serious condition called a saddle pulmonary embolism – a blood clot positioned where the main pulmonary artery divides, potentially extending into the arteries supplying both lungs. Within a few days, he could barely take two steps without becoming short of breath.

“I’ve never had any respiratory issues,” Rick says, “but I remember that weekend I started feeling short of breath.”

By the time Monday morning came, Rick was totally fine while sitting, but he couldn’t walk even a few steps without becoming extremely short of breath. He started by going to Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Macungie, part of Jefferson Health. 

Upon arrival at the emergency department, Rick was evaluated immediately by emergency room physician Nishith Patel, DO, and underwent a thorough clinical examination. A computed tomography (CT) scan of his chest revealed the saddle pulmonary embolism. Interventional cardiologist Shailendra Singh, MD, reviewed the case and imaging immediately, and the decision was made to transfer Rick for urgent treatment. His care team arranged for him to be transported by MedEvac ambulance to LVH–Cedar Crest, where Dr. Singh was waiting for him.

“They told me I was going to the main hospital for a possible procedure and would be admitted to the intensive care unit,” Rick says. 

Dr. Singh says treatment for saddle pulmonary embolisms is tailored to each patient’s condition. Anticoagulant medication is the primary treatment for most pulmonary embolisms. More severe or life-threatening cases may require clot-dissolving medication, catheter-based treatment such as mechanical thrombectomy, or surgical removal of the clot.

“Rick’s condition required urgent evaluation and treatment,” Dr. Singh says. “In his case, a heavy clot burden in both pulmonary arteries was straining the right side of his heart, lowering his oxygen level and contributing to low blood pressure. Because a saddle pulmonary embolism with these high-risk findings can cause rapid deterioration, we made the emergent decision to proceed with catheter-based mechanical thrombectomy.”

The clot was successfully removed from both the right and left pulmonary arteries, resulting in a dramatic improvement in Rick’s breathing and oxygen requirements. A follow-up echocardiogram showed his heart had returned to normal function, size, and dimensions.

Rick explained that in the catheterization lab where his procedure was done, he was sedated but not completely unconscious. He could see and hear what was going on, and he even saw pictures of the embolism. After the procedure to remove the clot and monitoring in the hospital, he was sent home to recover further. Rick did have a few more issues keeping his blood pressure at normal levels, but once he got those under control, he’s been fine ever since.

Having worked decades in healthcare in a pulmonary rehabilitation capacity, with many of those years at LVHN, Rick knows healthcare well. He was impressed with the smoothness, efficiency, and high-level of consideration and care he and his wife were provided with during his stay.

"The system worked the way it should," Rick says. “I was evaluated, diagnosed, and treated quickly, and that most likely saved my life.”

While saddle embolisms may not always show symptoms, you can reduce your risk by staying mobile, particularly during long trips or periods of recovery like following preventive instructions before and after surgery or hospitalization.

Other tips Dr. Singh recommends include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, and taking prescribed anticoagulants exactly as directed. 

“If you have a history of blood clots, cancer, prolonged immobility, recent surgery, pregnancy, estrogen use, or a family history of clotting disorders, you should discuss your individual risk and possible preventive measures with a healthcare professional,” he says.

Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or coughing up blood requires immediate medical attention.

“Rick’s story is an important reminder that symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can develop suddenly and should never be ignored,” Dr. Singh says. “Prompt recognition, a coordinated clinical response, and timely treatment can be lifesaving.”

Rick was so grateful for the care he received that he returned to LVH–Macungie to thank his care team, including Dr. Patel in the ER.

“Dr. Patel really appreciated the fact that I came back to thank him and let them know the positive outcome,” Rick says. “He showed me the CAT scan with the embolism, which I hadn’t seen before. If I hadn’t gone to visit, he would never know he saved my life.”

Today, Rick is back to his normal routine. He helps his wife of 53 years, Martha, in the garden. They travel to visit their children and grandchildren, and he says there’s always something to fix around the house. With a few modifications to how they travel, they often visit friends in Tampa and Myrtle Beach, stopping more often along the way to stretch their legs and booking flights no more than a few hours long. Rick also continues to golf at least once a week. 

“I think every healthcare worker should be a patient at least once in their lives,” Rick says. “It gives you a completely different perspective and understanding of how vulnerable people can feel and how much they appreciate good healthcare.”