Effect of Filtered Blood Return on Outcomes of Pulmonary Aspiration Thrombectomy

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess the effects of filtered blood reinfusion (FBR) on procedural outcomes of aspiration thrombectomy for pulmonary embolism (PE). Materials and MethodsA total of 171 patients who underwent aspiration thrombectomy for intermediate-high–risk or high-risk PE between December 2018 and September 2022 were included, 84 of whom underwent thrombectomy with FBR and 87 without. Demographic data, vital signs, laboratory values, procedural details, pulmonary arterial pressures, transfusion needs, length of hospital stay, and procedure-related adverse events were recorded. ResultsThe groups did not differ at baseline, other than the FBR cohort having a higher percentage of women. There was no significant difference in postprocedural vital signs or pulmonary arterial pressure. Mean fluoroscopy time and volume of contrast medium used were lower in the FBR cohort. The drop in hemoglobin level was lower in the FBR group at both 12 (FBR, −1.065; No FBR, −1.742; P > .001) and 24 hours (FBR, −1.526; No FBR, −2.380; P > .001) after procedure; accordingly, fewer patients required transfusions in the FBR cohort (FBR, 8 (9.5%); No FBR, 20 (23.0%); P = .016). There was no difference in the number or severity of adverse events or duration of intensive care unit or hospital admission. ConclusionsFBR use during aspiration pulmonary thrombectomy reduced blood loss and transfusion requirements but had no significant effect on procedural success or adverse event rates.