Mechanical Thrombectomy Reduces Mortality in Pulmonary Embolism Patients

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the University of Nevada have published a new study examining the effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). The study, published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, found that MT reduced 30-day all-cause mortality, hospital length of stay, and supplemental oxygen at discharge in patients with intermediate-high-risk and high-risk PE. The study's findings have significant implications for the treatment of PE and may improve patient outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 335 patients with intermediate-high-risk and high-risk PE who received Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) evaluation.
  • Of the patients, 259 received anticoagulation (AC) alone, while 76 received MT + AC.
  • The use of MT was associated with reduced odds of 30-day all-cause mortality (odds ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.27-0.76; P = .002).
  • There were no significant differences in PE-associated/caused mortality.
  • Hospital length of stay was 2 days shorter in the MT + AC cohort (P < .002).
  • Supplemental oxygen at discharge was reduced in the MT + AC cohort (P < .005).
  • The study's primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality, measured with inverse probability of treatment weighting.
  • Exploratory outcomes included survival during the study period, PE-associated/caused mortality, hospital length of stay, and MT-related metrics.

Statistics:

  • 335 patients were included in the study.
  • 259 patients received anticoagulation (AC) alone.
  • 76 patients received mechanical thrombectomy (MT) + AC.
  • 30-day all-cause mortality rate was significantly lower in the MT + AC cohort (odds ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.27-0.76; P = .002).
  • Hospital length of stay was 2 days shorter in the MT + AC cohort (P < .002).
  • Supplemental oxygen at discharge was reduced in the MT + AC cohort (P < .005).

Sources:

  • Clinical Outcomes following Mechanical Thrombectomy in Pulmonary Embolism Response Team-Consulted Patients: A Retrospective Analysis. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 2025.
  • Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology can be contacted at: Elsevier Science Inc, Ste 800, 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169, USA.