Catheter-directed Therapy Research Articles

Nationwide Trends in Catheter-Directed Therapy Utilization for the Treatment of Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis in Medicare Beneficiaries

PurposeTo determine overall and provider specialty trends in the use of catheter-directed therapy for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treatment in the Medicare population. Materials and MethodsUsing data obtained from 2007–2017 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 5% research identifiable files, all claims associated with acute and chronic lower extremity DVT were identified. The annual volume of 2 services—venous percutaneous transluminal thrombectomy (current procedural terminology [CPT] code 37187) and venous infusion for thrombolysis (CPT code 37201 from 2007 to 2012 and CPT code 37212 from 2013 to 2017)—was examined for trends in DVT intervention. Utilization rates based on region and the place of service were calculated. The results were further categorized based on primary operator type (radiology, cardiology, surgery, and other). ResultsThe total number of DVT interventions increased over time, with 4.27 service counts per 100,000 beneficiaries in 2007 increasing to 13.4 by 2017, a growth rate of 12.09%. Radiologists performed the majority of interventions each year, except in 2013, in which they performed 46.6% of interventions, whereas surgeons and cardiologists combined performed the other 53.4%. In 2017, radiologists performed 7.56 services per 100,000 beneficiaries, which was 56.8% of the total count, more than those performed by surgeons, cardiologists, and unspecified providers combined. ConclusionsCatheter-directed therapy is increasingly being used for the treatment of DVT, with its use undergoing a nearly 12-fold increase from 2007 to 2017 in the Medicare population. Radiologists remained the dominant provider of these services throughout the majority of study period, with a relative reduction in market share from 72% in 2007 to 57% in 2017.

Clinical outcomes of surgical embolectomy versus catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute limb ischemia: a nationwide cohort study

In Taiwan, the outcomes of acute limb ischemia have yet to be investigated in a standardized manner. In this study, we compared the safety, feasibility and outcomes of acute limb ischemia after surgical embolectomy or catheter-directed therapy in Taiwan. This study used data collected from the Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Database (NHID) and Cause of Death Data between the years 2000 and 2015. The rate ratio of all-cause in-hospital mortality and risk of amputation during the same period of hospital stay were estimated using Generalized linear models (GLM). There was no significant difference in mortality risk between CDT and surgical intervention (9.5% vs. 10.68%, adjusted rate ratio (95% CI): regression 1.0 [0.79–1.27], PS matching 0.92 [0.69–1.23]). The risk of amputation was also comparable between the two groups. (13.59% vs. 14.81%, adjusted rate ratio (95% CI): regression 0.84 [0.68–1.02], PS matching 0.92 [0.72–1.17]). Age (p < 0.001) and liver disease (p = 0.01) were associated with higher mortality risks. Heart failure (p = 0.03) and chronic or end-stage renal disease (p = 0.03) were associated with higher amputation risks. Prior antithrombotic agent use (p = 0.03) was associated with a reduced risk of amputation. Both surgical intervention and CDT are effective and feasible procedures for patients with ALI in Taiwan.

Road to becoming Y-90 authorized user as an integrated vascular and interventional radiology resident (NRC alternate pathway)

Yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization, also called transarterial radioembolization (TARE), is a catheter-directed therapy for direct delivery of internal radiation to tumors in the form of microspheres. It is currently available in two forms, either as a constituent of glass microspheres called TheraSphere® (BTG Ltd., London, UK [now Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA]) or as a biocompatible resin-based microsphere called SIR-Spheres® (Sirtex Medical Ltd., Woburn, MA, USA). Once these microspheres are delivered to the tumor through an arterial pathway, they are embedded within the tumor microcirculation and emit β-radiation at therapeutic levels. TARE is a commonly used treatment for unresectable primary or secondary hepatic malignancies and has led to improved survival rates and increased success rates in downstaging patients before liver resection or transplantation. Immediately following the pre-treatment angiogram, each patient undergoes a nuclear medicine study, otherwise known as technetium (99mTc) macroaggregated albumin scan, to determine the amount of radiotracer that has accumulated in the lungs (lung shunt fraction). Finally, after several calculations, the appropriate radiation dose to be delivered to the tumor is determined. While the technical aspects of radioembolization are quite complex, the collective clinical experience presented in the literature supports the use of Y-90 radioembolization for unresectable hepatic malignancies. Those ordering and administering radioembolization particles must be deemed an authorized user (AU) by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The NRC defines an AU as the individual responsible for ensuring that radioactive materials are handled and used safely and following NRC regulations and the terms and conditions of the NRC license. The NRC has published licensing guidance on Y-90 brachytherapy with the 10th revision released on November 8, 2019. This guidance has outlined specific requirements for obtaining a license for the use of TheraSphere and SIR-Spheres. Following the revised licensure guidelines from the NRC on Y-90 usage, a conditional authorization has been obtained at our institution by the PGY-6 interventional radiology/diagnostic radiology (IR/DR) resident. While the full guidelines and extensive alternative requirements can be found online, we will highlight the specific guidelines applicable to and fulfilled by IR/DR residents. The traditional ABR pathway takes approximately 18 months after graduation, including passing the ABR certification examination to become an AU. With the proposed alternate pathway, trainees will potentially become AU immediately after graduation. The primary aim of this submission is to describe the process for obtaining conditional authorization for Y-90 microspheres for PGY-6 IR/DR residents.

Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy: Ultrasound-Assisted Catheter-Directed Thrombolytic Therapy for the Treatment of a Pulmonary Embolus—A Case Report

Abstract In the United States, pulmonary embolism (PE) accounts for approximately 10% of all pregnancy related deaths. The standard treatment for a patient with high-risk PE is systemic thrombolysis. Systemic thrombolysis in pregnancy is associated with the risk of maternal hemorrhage and fetal complications, including spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, and fetal bleeding. Currently, there is limited evidence for a standardized approach for the treatment and management of intermediate- and high-risk PEs in pregnancy. A 36-year-old gravida 3 para 2002 woman at 31+1 weeks of gestation with a history of deep vein thrombosis in her prior pregnancy presented with shortness of breath. A computed tomography angiogram revealed a large pulmonary embolus with a saddle component that extended into the bilateral upper and lower lobes and into the secondary and tertiary pulmonary branches. A subsequent bedside echocardiogram demonstrated a dilated right ventricle with severely reduced right ventricular systolic function. The patient was successfully treated with bilateral ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis. She subsequently delivered a healthy male infant at term. Reported cases of ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis in pregnant patients is limited. Our case demonstrates that localized thrombolysis is a viable treatment option for life-threatening PE in pregnancy. Catheter-directed thrombolysis can be efficacious in treating intermediate- and high-risk PEs in pregnancy while simultaneously reducing the risk of bleeding complications.

Randomized Trial Comparing Standard Versus Ultrasound-Assisted Thrombolysis for Submassive Pulmonary Embolism: TheSUNSET sPE Trial.

The aim of this trial was to determine whether ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis (USAT) is superior to standard catheter-directed thrombolysis (SCDT) in pulmonary arterial thrombus reduction for patients with submassive pulmonary embolism (sPE). Catheter-directed therapy has been increasingly used in sPE and massive pulmonary embolism as a decompensation prevention and potentially lifesaving procedure. It is unproved whether USAT is superior to SCDT using traditional multiple-side-hole catheters in the treatment of patients with pulmonary embolism. Adults with sPE were enrolled. Participants were randomized 1:1 to USAT or SCDT. The primary outcome was 48-hour clearance of pulmonary thrombus assessed by pre- and postprocedural computed tomographic angiography using a refined Miller score. Secondary outcomes included improvement in right ventricular-to-left ventricular ratio, intensive care unit and hospital stay, bleeding, and adverse events up to 90days. Eighty-one patients with acute sPE were randomized and were available for analysis. The mean total dose of alteplase for USAT was 19 ± 7mg and for SCDT was 18 ± 7mg (P=0.53), infused over 14 ± 6 and 14 ± 5 hours, respectively (P=0.99). In the USAT group, the mean raw pulmonary arterial thrombus score was reduced from 31 ± 4 at baseline to 22 ± 7 (P< 0.001). In the SCDT group, the score was reduced from 33 ± 4 to 23 ± 7 (P< 0.001). There was no significant difference in mean thrombus score reduction between the 2 groups (P=0.76). The mean reduction in right ventricular/left ventricular ratio from baseline (1.54 ± 0.30 for USAT, 1.69 ± 0.44 for SCDT) to 48 hours was 0.37 ± 0.34 in the USAT group and 0.59 ± 0.42 in the SCDT group (P=0.01). Major bleeding (1 stroke and 1 vaginal bleed requiring transfusion) occurred in 2 patients, both in the USAT group. In the SUNSET sPE (Standard vs. Ultrasound-Assisted Catheter Thrombolysis for Submassive Pulmonary Embolism) trial, patients undergoing USAT had similar pulmonary arterial thrombus reduction compared with those undergoing SCDT, using comparable mean lytic doses and durations of lysis.

Safety and efficacy of catheter-directed therapy versus anticoagulation alone in a higher-risk acute pulmonary embolism population.

There is little data comparing safety and efficacy outcomes in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) receiving catheter directed therapies (CDT) compared to a similar-risk cohort of PE patients receiving anticoagulation alone. 1094 patients with acute PE were studied. CDT and conservatively-managed patients were compared using propensity score matching to assess safety outcomes, which included bleeding and acute kidney injury at 2 and 7 days after PE diagnosis. Efficacy outcomes included change in vital signs over 72 h and in-hospital mortality. PE patients with RV strain who underwent CDT (n = 76) had more bleeding at 2 days (additional 1.04 g/dL loss, 95% CI − 1.48 to − 0.60, p < 0.001) and 7 days (additional 1.36 g/dL loss, 95% CI − 1.88 to − 0.84, p < 0.001) compared to those receiving anticoagulation alone (n = 303). There was a significant increase in creatinine at 2 days (additional 0.22 mg/dL elevation, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.42, p = 0.03), but not at 7 days (additional 0.12 mg/dL elevation, 95% CI − 0.11 to 0.35, p = 0.30). In-hospital mortality for patients receiving CDT versus anticoagulation alone was similar (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.53 to 2.77; p = 0.65). In patients with baseline abnormal vital signs who received CDT versus anticoagulation alone, heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen requirement improved significantly faster and to levels closer to normal (p ≤ 0.001). CDT was associated with a small but increased risk of bleeding, but no significant worsening of renal function. CDT may be associated with more rapid improvements in heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen requirement. Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11239-021-02481-9.

Imaging approach to COVID-19 associated pulmonary embolism.

The novel coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) illness and deaths, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2, continue to increase. Multiple reports highlight the thromboembolic complications, such as pulmonary embolism (PE), in COVID‐19. Imaging plays an essential role in the diagnosis and management of COVID‐19 patients with PE. There continues to be a rapid evolution of knowledge related to COVID‐19 associated PE. This review summarises the current understanding of prevalence, pathophysiology, role of diagnostic imaging modalities, and management, including catheter‐directed therapy for COVID‐19 associated PE. It also describes infection control considerations for the radiology department while providing care for patients with COVID‐19 associated PE.

Abstract No. 533 Nationwide trends of catheter-directed therapy utilization for treatment of deep vein thrombosis in Medicare beneficiaries from 2004 to 2017

Abstract No. 533 Nationwide trends of catheter-directed therapy utilization for treatment of deep vein thrombosis in Medicare beneficiaries from 2004 to 2017

Effects of catheter-directed therapy for pulmonary embolism on pulmonary artery systolic pressure and PaO2/FiO2

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third global cause of cardiovascular death. Treatment of high-risk cases and selected intermediate-risk cases is based on systemic thrombolysis, which can be inconvenient in patients with a contraindications for thrombolysis. Catheter-directed therapies are emerging as an alternative for treatment when there is an increased bleeding risk. Methods One-center retrospective study of patients with high or intermediate-high risk PE with contraindications for systemic thrombolysis. Catheter directed rheolytic thrombectomy or mechanical thrombectomy was performed, assessing its effect on clinical variables, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), PaO2/FiO2, and the occurrence of complications. Results In 12 patients with PE treated with catheter-directed therapy, we observed a mean increase of the PaO2/FiO2 of 62 mm Hg (p = 0.013), as well mean reduction in the PASP of 13 mm Hg (p &amp;lt; 0.001), as can be observed in the figure. As complications, there was one case of hemoptysis, and two of hemolysis, with an in-hospital mortality of 16.7%. Conclusion Catheter-directed therapy in patients with high or intermediate-high risk PE is a feasible option when there are contraindications for thrombolysis or there is a high bleeding risk. It has been shown to improve surrogate endpoints as PASP and right to left ventricle ratio in other studies, although data on mortality from a randomized trial is lacking. Abstract Figure. Gardner-Altman plots.

Catheter-directed low-dose fibrinolysis infusion for treat acute intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. BACKGROUND Intermediate-high risk (IHR) Pulmonary Embolism (PE) are a common disease witch could have a high mortality. Anticoagulation remains the first therapeutic option, but Catheter-directed therapies are being investigated as a safe and effective treatment option. PURPOSE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Catheter-directed low-dose fibrinolysis infusion to treat IHR-PE. METHODS Retrospective analysis of 16 patients IHR-PE treated. After performing Right catheterization (RC) and angiogram, Pigtail catheters were located for intrapulmonary infusion of Alteplase 1mg/h/catheter for 24 h (25-30mg/day). Baseline and clinical characteristics, inicial and evolutive echocardiography, also clinical evaluation and echocardiography 6 months after discharge were evaluated. RESULTS The majority were women (11) and obese (93.8%), aged 22-74 years with cardiovascular risk factors: 5 hypertension, 3 Dyslipidemia, 2 smokers and 3 severe CKD . At admission 11 patients consulted for dyspnea and 5 for syncope; all were hemodynamic stable. 68.8% presented respiratory failure. All had bilateral PE (angiography) and elevation of Nt-proBNP and troponins. The echocardiographic at admission, and its evolution are shown in Table 1. The invasive measurement of pulmonary hypertension (PH) reflected greater severity than the estimated by echo: 5 (31.3%) Severe PH, 5 (31.3%) Moderate PH and 2 (12.5%) mild PH. At discharge all presented a decrease in PH and 15 (93.8%) improved RV function. 2 patients suffered bleeding complications (relation with femoral access): 1 not severe, 1 severe without mortality; none suffered intracranial hemorrhage. In the evaluation at 6-months: 13 patients (81.3%) where on functional Class I and without PH, 3 patients (18.8%) where in Class II and with mild-PH. CONCLUSION In short-term follow-up, intrapulmonary low-dose fibrinolysis reduces PA pressures and improves RV function, without an increased bleeding complications, especially if femoral access is avoided. However impact on long-term remains unclear. Table 1: Echocardiography evolution.RV function admissionNormal Function1 (6.3%)Mild Dysfunction9 (56.3%)Moderate Dysfunction6 (37.5%)RV Dilatation admissionDilatation 16 (100%)Not dilatation 0 (0%)PH Degree admissionMild PH6 (37.5%)Moderate PH5 (31.3%)Severe PH5 (31.3%)PH Degree 24h-postNot PH1 (6.3%)Mild PH10 (62.5%)Moderate/severe PH5 (31.3%)Improvement RV 24h-postYes14 (87.5%)Not2 (12.5%)RV function dischargeNormal Function16 (100%)Mild Dysfunction0 (0%)Moderate Dysfunction0 (0%)RV Dilatation dischargeDilatation 5 (31.3%)Not dilatation 11 (68.8%)PH Degree dischargeNot PH 9 (56.3%)Mild PH7 (43.8%)Moderate/severe PH0 (0%)RV Right Ventricular; PH: Pulmonary Hypertension,

Safety and efficacy of catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) in elderly with pulmonary embolism (PE)

IntroductionAcute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a common cause for morbidity and mortality in patients over 65 years. Given the increased risk of bleeding in the elderly population with the use...

Potential risk during catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy for pulmonary embolism and how to avoid it

Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains one of the highest causes of cardiovascular mortality worldwide. Systemic thrombolysis for acute PE reduces cardiovascular collapse but has the potential to cause major complications, including intracranial hemorrhage, systemic hemorrhage, immunologic complications, hypotension, and myocardial rupture. Catheter-directed thrombolysis accompanied with high-frequency ultrasound reduces systemic dose, allows increased local dose, and expedites clot lysis at the site of embolism. Although rare, some patients may have a patent foramen ovale or other atrial septal defect (ASD) which cannot be visualized during fluoroscopy which may complicate this procedure. A 41-year-old diabetic smoker presented to the emergency department with hypoxia, tachycardia, and light headedness. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the chest revealed bilateral PE with right ventricular enlargement and right heart strain pattern. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed right ventricular enlargement. He was diagnosed with submassive PE. He underwent right heart catheterization with two angled pigtail catheters manipulated through the right heart to reach the right and left pulmonary arteries, however on frontal fluoroscopy, the catheters appeared slightly more caudal than would be expected. Lateral fluoroscopy was performed which did not show the catheter going through the expected anterior curvilinear course of the right ventricle and pulmonary trunk. Contrast was injected into each pigtail catheter and this demonstrated retrograde flow of contrast back into the left atrium, confirming that the catheters were positioned in the pulmonary veins, having passed through an ASD. On review of CTA chest, there was a visible patent foramen ovale. Congenital heart defects are rare but can complicate certain procedures and interventionalists need to be aware of this possibility. Catheter position more caudal than the pulmonary artery silhouettes should alert the operator to the incorrect placement in the pulmonary veins through an ASD. In these circumstances, lateral fluoroscopy will show absence of the catheters along the expected anterior curvilinear route of the right ventricle, pulmonary infundibulum, and pulmonary trunk. Contrast injection will show centripetal flow back to the left atrium rather than the centrifugal flow away from the heart. Other potential confirmatory methods include pressure monitoring and blood gas sampling. In addition, careful scrutiny of the CT angiogram for an ASD before the procedure may alert the operator to this potential pitfall. The interventionalist must remain vigilant to unexpected anatomical variants to avoid potential harm.

Anuria as a Chief Presentation of Takayasu Arteritis, a Case Report

Takayasu vasculitis is a rare type of large vessel vasculitis that primarily affects the aorta and its main branches; signs and symptoms are usually due to systemic inflammation or ischemia of an organ or limb, depending on the group of blood vessels involved. In addition, Takayasu arteritis is associated with increased platelet and coagulation activity, leading to a hypercoagulable state and thrombus formation. We report a case of a 47-year-old male who presented with a history of complete anuria for 3 days and was found to have progressively worsening kidney function. Renal Doppler ultrasound confirmed the presence of bilateral renal artery thrombosis, while Contrast- Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) of the abdomen and pelvis showed extensive abdominal aortic thrombosis with radiological findings consistent with large vessel vacuities. After catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy of the renal arteries, the patient started producing urine and his kidney function significantly improved. Later, Positron Emission Tomography scan (PET) confirmed large vessel Takayasu arteritis. Echocardiography showed no intracardiac thrombus, along with an extensive work up for thrombophilia, as autoimmune and vasculitis serology came back negative. This is an extremely rare presentation of Takayasu arteritis, with an unusual recovery of acute renal failure after delayed anuria due to bilateral renal artery thrombosis.

Pulmonary Artery Intervention for Submassive Pulmonary Embolism From an Arm Superficial Venous Access.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) endovascular interventions are often approached from an internal jugular or femoral venous access. There are multiple advantages of right basilic vein (RBV) access for both patient and operator, especially in the setting of morbid obesity. We hereby describe the case of a 48-year-old, morbidly obese man who presented with acute respiratory insufficiency and was found to have bilateral submassive subocclusive PE, worse on the right. The right ventricular to left ventricular ratio was 2.1 and troponin was elevated. A 7 Fr sheath was placed in the RBV under ultrasound guidance. Selective bilateral pulmonary arteriography was then performed. A 106 x 12 cm EKOS catheter was placed in the segment of highest thrombotic burden for a 6-hour protocol of catheter-directed ultrasound-facilitated thrombolytic therapy. The patient recovered well on a direct oral anticoagulant and his acute symptoms resolved. Treating massive/submassive PE from a RBV access offers the convenience and safety of superficial venous access (for patient and operator), better patient comfort, less venous stasis during therapy with ability to ambulate, less potential for bleeding and vascular complications, less potential for operator radiation exposure when compared with the jugular approach, and better operator ergonomics.

Anuria as a Chief Presentation of Takayasu Arteritis

Takayasu vasculitis is a rare type of large vessel vasculitis that primarily affects the aorta and its main branches; signs and symptoms are usually due to systemic inflammation or ischemia of an organ or a limb, depending on the group of blood vessels involved. In addition, Takayasu arteritis is associated with increased platelet and coagulation activity, leading to a hypercoagulable state and thrombus formation. We report a case of a 47-year-old male who presented with a history of complete anuria for 3 days and was found to have progressively worsening kidney function. Renal Doppler ultrasound confirmed the presence of bilateral renal artery thrombosis, while contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the abdomen and pelvis showed extensive abdominal aortic thrombosis with radiological findings consistent with large vessel vacuities. After catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy of the renal arteries, the patient started producing urine and his kidney function significantly improved. Later, positron emission tomography scan (PET) confirmed large vessel Takayasu arteritis. Echocardiography showed no intracardiac thrombus, along with an extensive work-up for thrombophilia, as autoimmune and vasculitis serology came back negative. This is an extremely rare presentation of Takayasu arteritis, with an unusual recovery of acute renal failure after prolonged anuria due to bilateral renal artery thrombosis.

Current Concepts in the Diagnosis and Management of Pulmonary Embolism

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular death. Most often acute PE is associated with under diagnosis, misdiagnosis and delay in diagnosis and management leading to high morbidity and mortality. PE outcomes will improve with proper evaluation of clinical symptoms and signs, relevant diagnostic tests, identifying high-risk patients suitable for early re-perfusion with I.V. or catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy or surgical embolectomy and in some cases additional use of mechanical circulatory support. During clinical evaluation modified Geneva score, Well’s score, and Simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) scores are useful in assessing PE and its adverse outcomes. Hestia criteria are useful in identifying suitable for outpatient management of PE. Long-term management of PE involves identifying patients prone for recurrence and CTPE with appropriate long-term prophylaxis using oral anticoagulants.

Use of hospital resources in the care of patients with intermediate risk pulmonary embolism.

Risk stratification and management of hemodynamically stable pulmonary embolism remains challenging. Professional societies have published stratification schemes, but little is known about the management of patients with intermediate risk pulmonary embolism. We describe the care of these patients at an academic health system. Patient encounters from 1 January 2016 to 30 June 2017 were retrospectively identified utilizing a multihospital, electronic health record-based data warehouse. Using the 2019 European Society of Cardiology criteria, differences in hospital resource utilization, defined as intensive care unit admission, use of invasive therapies, and length of stay, were examined in patients with intermediate risk characteristics. A cohort of 322 intermediate risk patients, including 165 intermediate-low and 157 intermediate-high risk patients, was identified. Intermediate-high risk patients more often underwent catheter-directed therapy (14.0% vs. 1.8%; P<0.001) compared to intermediate-low risk patients and had a 50% higher rate of intensive care unit admission (relative risk 1.50; 95% confidence interval 1.06, 2.12; P=0.023). There was no difference in median intensive care unit length of stay (2.7 vs. 2.0 days; P=0.761) or hospital length of stay (5.0 vs. 5.0 days; P=0.775) between intermediate-high risk and intermediate-low risk patients. Patients that underwent invasive therapies had a 3.8-day shorter hospital length of stay (beta -3.75; 95% confidence interval -6.17, -1.32; P=0.002). This study presents insights into the hospital resource utilization of patients with intermediate risk pulmonary embolism. The 2019 European Society of Cardiology risk stratification criteria are a clinically relevant scheme that identifies patients more often treated with intensive care unit admission and advanced therapies.

Catheter-Directed Therapy: Outcomes Versus Standard of Care and Evaluation of Current Practice

BackgroundSmall studies have noted benefit with the use of catheter-directed therapy (CDT) versus standard of care in treatment of pulmonary embolism, but none have focused on the variability of clinical practice with this modality. MethodsInternational Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes were used to retrospectively identify consecutive adult patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with pulmonary embolism over a 2-year period. We evaluated inpatient mortality and major bleeding and assessed treatment variation. Results: Of 284 patients included, 46 underwent CDT (9 massive pulmonary embolism, 37 submassive pulmonary embolism). Significantly more patients who underwent standard treatment had a history of congestive heart failure and diabetes. Obesity, higher troponin levels, and right heart strain were significantly more likely in the CDT group. No significant difference in inpatient mortality or major bleeding events was observed between the treatment groups. Tissue plasminogen activator use varied widely in the CDT group, and inferior vena cava filter utilization was significantly more common in the CDT group (18; 41%) compared with the standard group (40; 17%) (P < 0.01). ConclusionsIn this study, no significant difference in inpatient mortality or major bleeding was found in patients in the intensive care unit with pulmonary embolism who underwent CDT compared with standard care. It may be beneficial to standardize this procedure given the potential benefit of CDT in patients with submassive pulmonary embolism.

THE CLOT THICKENS: AN OBSERVATIONAL RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF STANDARD OF CARE VS CATHETER-DIRECTED THERAPY FOR SADDLE PULMONARY EMBOLISM

SESSION TITLE: Pulmonary Vascular Disease Posters SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: October 18-21, 2020 PURPOSE: Catheter directed therapy (CDT) has garnered increased interest in the treatment of submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) given its potential for rapidly reducing right heart strain (RHS) and clot burden. Our aim was to compare outcomes between standard of care (SC) and CDT in the management of submassive saddle PE. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, patient chart review was performed on patients diagnosed with a submassive PE and subsequently treated with either SC or CDT. Submassive PE was characterized as those with evidence of RHS on either echocardiogram or CT, but without sustained hypotension (systolic BP <90mmHg). SC entailed treatment with systemic anticoagulation. Treatment with CDT involved a 2mg alteplase (tPA) bolus into each branch of the pulmonary artery (PA) followed by an infusion of the same for a maximum of 24 hours. tPA was discontinued when the mean PA pressure fell below 25mmHg with subsequent transition to systemic anticoagulation. Data was analyzed via chi-square analysis or Mann-Whitney U test for categorical or continuous variables, respectively, using SAS and GraphPad version 8. Statistical significance was determined with p < 0.05 RESULTS: A total of 39 patients diagnosed with saddle PE were treated with either CDT (n = 16) or SC (n = 23) in the period of August 2017 to December 2019. Mean Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) score was 112.62 ± 55.61 vs 89.87 ± 26.05 in the CDT vs SC groups, respectively (p = 0.44). 5/16 patients in the CDT arm, compared to 1/23, presented with syncope (p = 0.02). PA pressure at presentation was 62.1 ± 16.14 mmHg and 55.63 ± 11.33 mmHg in the CDT vs SC groups, respectively (p = 0.44). 87.5% in the CDT arm demonstrated right heart strain by ECHO, versus 60.86% in SC arm (p = 0.07). In terms of outcomes, mean length of stay was 5.88 days in the CDT group vs 5 days in the SC group (p = 0.14). No inpatient deaths occurred in either group. Mean PA pressure measured at 3 months in the CDT arm was 26.86 ± 6.59 mmHg vs. 28.38 ± 10.24 mmHg in the CDT vs SC groups, respectively (p = 0.96), while mortality was 0% and 6.67%, respectively (p = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistical significance in both mortality and inpatient survival in patients treated with CDT vs SC. The same was demonstrated in terms of presentation and parameters of severity between the CDT and SC arms, aside from an increased incidence of syncope on presentation in the CDT arm. A limitation of our study was the small cohort of patients involved, which prevents extrapolation of data in a generalized manner. A prospective, randomized trial is required to confirm our results. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Saddle PE tends to have the connotation of requiring more aggressive intervention, such as CDT. Although CDT has been shown to be a safe and effective option, it may not necessarily be the best strategy. Clinical judgment, however, should ultimately prevail in guiding therapy. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Timmy Li, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Akhilesh Mahajan, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Anu Menon, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Bushra Mina, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Varun Shah, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Muhammad Shoaib, source=Web Response

Reperfusion therapies in pulmonary embolism–state of the art and expert opinion: A position paper from the “Unité de Soins Intensifs de Cardiologie” group of the French Society of Cardiology

Acute pulmonary embolism is a frequent cardiovascular emergency with an increasing incidence. The prognosis of patients with high-risk and intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism has not improved over the last decade. The current treatment strategies are mainly based on anticoagulation to prevent recurrence and reduce pulmonary vasculature obstruction. However, the slow rate of thrombus lysis under anticoagulation is unable to acutely decrease right ventricle overload and pulmonary vasculature resistance in patients with severe obstruction and right ventricle dysfunction. Therefore, patients with high-risk and intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism remain a therapeutic challenge. Reperfusion therapies may be discussed for these patients, and include systemic thrombolysis, catheter-directed therapies and surgical thrombectomy. High-risk patients require systemic thrombolysis, but may have contraindications as a result of the high risk of bleeding. In addition, intermediate-high-risk patients should not receive systemic thrombolysis, despite its high efficacy, because of prohibitive bleeding complications. Recently, percutaneous reperfusion techniques have been developed to acutely decrease pulmonary vascular obstruction with lower-dose or no thrombolytic agents and, thus, potentially higher safety than systemic thrombolysis. Some of these techniques improve key haemodynamic variables. Cardiac surgical techniques and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as temporary circulatory support may be useful in selected cases. The development of pulmonary embolism centres with multidisciplinary pulmonary embolism teams is mandatory to enable adequate use of reperfusion and improve outcomes. We aim to present the state of the art regarding reperfusion therapies in pulmonary embolism, but also to provide guidance on their indications and patient selection.