Thrombectomy in Pulmonary Embolism

Acute intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) and high-risk PE can be life threatening. The incidence of PE is increasing , and patients who survive the acute presentation may experience significant morbidity including reduced exercise tolerance, and decreased quality of life (QoL). Often patients are treated with anticoagulation to stop the clot getting worse and encourage the body to slowly break up the clot. However in more severe cases thrombolysis medication can be given to actively break up the clot. Catheter directed thrombolysis can be used to target the lytic medication into the pulmonary arteries and reduced the systemic effects. Percutaneous thrombectomy is a newer treatment option that aspirates the clot, providing a faster and potentially lytic free solution to sick patients. Pulmonary artery thrombectomy (PAT) is a treatment option that is variably utilised and has unclear evidence base . The penumbra device uses a computer modulated vacuum aspiration system to both fatigue, breakup and aspirate the clot. This has been shown to be safe and effective in small cohorts. CAVT can prevent acute hemodynamic decompensation, alleviate acute PE-related symptoms, accelerate right ventricular recovery, and improve quality of life as measured by patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Despite existing literature addressing clinical outcomes with PE treatment, comprehensive data on PE-related morbidity, PROs and longer-term outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy are still lacking.

Inclusion criteria

• Clinical signs and symptoms consistent with acute pulmonary embolism with duration of 14 days or less
• Patients who present with computed tomography confirmed pulmonary embolism
• Defined as intermediate or high-risk pulmonary embolism (according to European Society of Cardiology guidelines)
• Date of computed tomography imaging from within a two-year period
• Patient is greater than or equal to 18 years of age
• Informed consent obtained
• Evidence of cardiac dysfunction (either biochemical or imaging features of right heart strain)

Exclusion criteria

• Known serious, uncontrolled sensitivity to radiographic agents
• Computed tomography not available to evaluate pulmonary embolism
• Low-risk pulmonary embolism as defined by European Society of Cardiology guidelines
• Current participation in another investigational drug or device study that may confound the results of this study. Studies requiring extended follow-up for products that were investigational but have since become commercially available are not considered investigational
• Other medical, social, or psychological conditions that, in the opinion of the investigator, preclude the patient from appropriate consent, could limit the patient's ability to participate in the study, including compliance with follow-up requirements, or that could impact the scientific integrity of the study

Inclusion criteria

• Clinical signs and symptoms consistent with acute PE with duration of 14 days or less
• Patients who present with CT confirmed PE
• Defined as intermediate or high-risk PE (according to ESC guidelines1)
• Date of CT imaging from within a two-year period
• Patient is ≥ 18 years of age
• Informed consent obtained
• Evidence of cardiac dysfunction (Either biochemical or imaging features of RHS)

Exclusion criteria

• 1. Known serious, uncontrolled sensitivity to radiographic agents 2. CT not available to evaluate PE 3. Low Risk PE as defined by ESC guidelines1 4. Current participation in another investigational drug or device study that may confound the results of this study. Studies requiring extended follow-up for products that were investigational but have since become commercially available are not considered investigational studies 5. Other medical, social, or psychological conditions that, in the opinion of the Investigator, precludes the patient from appropriate consent, could limit the patient's ability to participate in the study, including compliance with follow-up requirements, or that could impact the scientific integrity of the study