Intermediate-risk Pulmonary Embolism Research Articles

Comparative Effectiveness of Suction Thrombectomy vs Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in Intermediate-Risk Pulmonary Embolism

Comparative Effectiveness of Suction Thrombectomy vs Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in Intermediate-Risk Pulmonary Embolism

McConnell's sign predicts normotensive shock in patients with acute pulmonary embolism

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background Patients with intermediate-risk acute pulmonary embolism (PE) have mortality rates ranging from 3-15%, with incidence of normotensive shock occurring in up to 30% of patients.1-3 Existing risk models often fall short in accurately identifying those at heightened risk of normotensive shock and those who might derive benefit from advanced therapeutic interventions including catheter based therapies. Diagnosis of normotensive shock typically necessitates invasive right heart catheterization, however, McConnell's sign has been associated with higher risk PEs.4 Consequently, our objective was to assess the relationship between McConnell's sign, a readily available bedside point-of-care tool, and its predictive value in identifying normotensive shock in patients diagnosed with acute intermediate-risk PE. Methods All patients with intermediate-risk PE who underwent percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (MT) between August 2020 and April 2023 at a large academic public hospital were included in the study. Normotensive shock was defined as patients with systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 90mmHg in the absence of vasopressor support with pre-procedural invasive measures of CI £ 2.2 L/min/m2 and clinical evidence of hypoperfusion (i.e. elevated lactate, oliguria). The primary outcome was the association between McConnell’s sign and normotensive shock. Results A total of 49 patients with intermediate-risk PE underwent MT, 9 patients had incomplete data, resulting in a final cohort of 40 patients (mean age: 57 ± 13 years; 45% female). A total of 29/40 (72.5%) patients had McConnell’s sign. Patients with McConnell’s sign had higher rates of obesity (59% vs 18% p=0.02), higher heart rate (114 vs 99 beats/min, p=0.008), higher rates of elevated lactate (86% vs 55%, p=0..038), lower cardiac index (1.9 vs 3.1 L/min/m2, p=0.003), and higher rates of normotensive shock (76% vs 27%, p=0.005). There was no statistically significant difference in age, sex, race, rates of saddle emboli, left ventricular ejection fraction, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, presenting blood pressure, sPESI and composite pulmonary embolism shock score scores in patients with or without McConnell’s sign. In patients with normotensive shock, 22/25 (88%) had McConnell’s sign and only 53.3% had McConnell’s sign without shock (Figure 1). Patients with McConnell’s sign had an increased odds (OR 8.38, CI: 1.73-40.53; p=0.008, AUC 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56-0.85) of normotensive shock. Conclusion This is the first study to suggest that McConnell’s sign can effectively identify those in the intermediate-risk group who are at risk for normotensive shock. Further studies are needed to validate this non-invasive technique that can be rapidly performed at bedside with high reproducibility and whether it can help risk-stratify patients who may benefit from advanced PE therapies.

Low left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral predicts normotensive shock in patients with acute pulmonary embolism

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Introduction In patients with intermediate-risk acute pulmonary embolism (PE) outcomes vary widely, with mortality rates ranging from 3-15% and rates of normotensive shock up to 30%.1-3 Current risk models don't fully capture those at higher risk and identify patients who may benefit from advanced therapies. The left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) velocity time integral (VTI), a surrogate marker of cardiac output, has been associated with increased mortality in acute PE.4 Our objective was to determine the association between LVOT VTI and its predictive value in identifying normotensive shock in this patient population. Methods Patients who underwent percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (MT) between August 2020 and March 2023 at a large academic public hospital were considered for the study. Inclusion criteria comprised of normotensive patients (SBP ≥ 90 mmHg) with invasive measures of cardiac index (CI). VTI was obtained by pulsed wave doppler at the LVOT in either the apical 3 or apical 5 chamber view. The primary outcome was the association between LVOT VTI and normotensive shock and a cut off of 15 cm was used to examine this association based on prior studies.4 Results A total of 49 patients with intermediate-risk PE underwent MT, 16 patients had incomplete data, resulting in a final cohort of 33 patients (mean age: 57 ± 13yrs; 38% female). Patients with LVOT VTI of <15 cm were younger (53 vs 62 years p=0.02), had lower systolic blood pressure at presentation (122 vs 134 mmHg, p=0.047), higher heart rate (112.6 vs 96.2 beats/min, p=0.008), a higher composite shock score (CPES) (5 vs 3, p=0.012), lower cardiac index (1.9 vs 3.1 L/min/m2, p<0.001), a higher PASP (61.4 vs 48.9 mmHg, p=0.018), and higher rates of elevated lactate (90% vs 42%, p=0.027). LVOT VTI threshold of <15cm effectively identified patients with normotensive shock (90% vs 8% p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of saddle emboli, left ventricular ejection fraction, sPESI and BOVA scores in patients with VTI above or below 15cm. In patients with normotensive shock, 19/20 (95%) had LVOT VTI ≤ 15cm with a median of 13 cm (IQR 12, 14) (Figure). In patients without normotensive shock, 11/13 (84%) had LVOT VTI >15 with a median of 18 (IQR 17, 21). The area under the curve for LVOT VTI ≤ 15 cm in predicting normotensive shock was 0.89. The sensitivity and specificity of LVOT VTI ≤ 15 cm in predicting normotensive shock was 91.6% and 90.4% respectively. Conclusion Our study suggests that LVOT VTI is a reliable surrogate for cardiac output in patients with acute PE and can effectively identify those in the intermediate-risk group who are at risk for normotensive shock. A LVOT VTI <15cm may identify intermediate-risk patients at higher risk for hemodynamic decompensation and further studies are needed to evaluate whether these patients would benefit from upfront catheter-based therapies.

F-23 | National in-hospital outcomes of catheter-directed interventions in patients with intermediate risk pulmonary embolism

F-23 | National in-hospital outcomes of catheter-directed interventions in patients with intermediate risk pulmonary embolism

Refining outcome prediction in intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism: The added value of advanced echocardiographic right ventricular assessment.

Refining outcome prediction in intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism: The added value of advanced echocardiographic right ventricular assessment.

C-79 | Design and rationale for PEERLESS II, a multicenter, randomized controlled trial of large-bore thrombectomy versus anticoagulation alone in intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism

C-79 | Design and rationale for PEERLESS II, a multicenter, randomized controlled trial of large-bore thrombectomy versus anticoagulation alone in intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism

PEERLESS II: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Large-Bore Thrombectomy Versus Anticoagulation in Intermediate-Risk Pulmonary Embolism

PEERLESS II: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Large-Bore Thrombectomy Versus Anticoagulation in Intermediate-Risk Pulmonary Embolism

Clinical, Functional, and Quality-of-Life Outcomes after Computer-Assisted Vacuum Thrombectomy for Pulmonary Embolism: Interim Analysis of the STRIKE-PE Study

PurposeTo report the first interim analysis of the STRIKE-PE study, evaluating the safety and effectiveness of computer-regulated aspiration thrombectomy for the treatment of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Materials and MethodsThis prospective, international, multicenter study will enroll 600 adult patients with acute PE of ≤14 days and a right ventricle (RV)–to–left ventricle (LV) ratio of ≥0.9 who receive first-line endovascular treatment with computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomy (CAVT) using the Indigo Lightning system (Penumbra, Alameda, California). Primary endpoints are change in RV/LV ratio and incidence of composite major adverse events (MAEs) within 48 hours. Secondary endpoints include functional and quality-of-life (QoL) assessments. ResultsThe first 150 consecutive patients were treated with 12-F catheter CAVT. Mean age was 61.3 years, 54.7% were men, 94.7% presented with intermediate-risk PE, and 5.3% presented with high-risk PE. Median thrombectomy and procedure times were 33.5 minutes and 70.0 minutes, respectively, resulting in a mean reduction in systolic pulmonary artery pressure of 16.3% (P < .001). Mean RV/LV ratio decreased from 1.39 to 1.01 at 48 hours, a 25.7% reduction (P < .001). Four (2.7%) patients experienced a composite MAE within 48 hours. At 90-day follow-up, patients exhibited statistically significant improvements in the Borg dyspnea scale scores and QoL measures, and the New York Heart Association class distribution returned to that reported before the index PE. ConclusionsInterim results from the STRIKE-PE study demonstrate a significant reduction in pulmonary artery pressure and RV/LV ratio, procedure times of <2 hours, composite MAE rate of 2.7%, and significant improvements in 90-day functional and QoL outcomes.

Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy in acute pulmonary embolism: Outcomes from a safety-net hospital.

Our study aims to present clinical outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in a safety-net hospital. This is a retrospective study of intermediate or high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) patients who underwent MT between October 2020 and May 2023. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Among 61 patients (mean age 57.6 years, 47% women, 57% Black) analyzed, 12 (19.7%) were classified as high-risk PE, and 49 (80.3%) were intermediate-risk PE. Of these patients, 62.3% had Medicaid or were uninsured, 50.8% lived in a high poverty zip code. The prevalence of normotensive shock in intermediate-risk PE patients was 62%. Immediate hemodynamic improvements included 7.4 mmHg mean drop in mean pulmonary artery pressure (-21.7%, p < 0.001) and 93% had normalization of their cardiac index postprocedure. Thirty-day mortality for the entire cohort was 5% (3 patients) and 0% when restricted to the intermediate-risk group. All 3 patients who died at 30 days presented with cardiac arrest. There were no differences in short-term mortality based on race, insurance type, citizenship status, or socioeconomic status. All-cause mortality at most recent follow up was 13.1% (mean follow up time of 13.4 ± 8.5 months). We extend the findings from prior studies that MT demonstrates a favorable safety profile with immediate improvement in hemodynamics and a low 30-day mortality in patients with acute PE, holding true even with relatively higher risk and more vulnerable population within a safety-net hospital.

Catheter-based therapy for high-risk or intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism: death and re-hospitalization.

Catheter-based therapies (CBTs) have been developed as a treatment option in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). There remains a paucity of data to inform decision-making in patients with intermediate-risk or high-risk PE. The aim of this study was to characterize in-hospital and readmission outcomes in patients with intermediate-risk or high-risk PE treated with vs. without CBT in a large retrospective registry. Patients hospitalized with intermediate-risk or high-risk PE were identified using the 2017-20 National Readmission Database. In-hospital outcomes included death and bleeding and 30- and 90-day readmission outcomes including all-cause, venous thromboembolism (VTE)-related and bleeding-related readmissions. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was utilized to compare outcomes between CBT and no CBT. A total of 14 903 [2076 (13.9%) with CBT] and 42 829 [8824 (20.6%) with CBT] patients with high-risk and intermediate-risk PE were included, respectively. Prior to IPTW, patients with CBT were younger and less likely to have cancer and cardiac arrest, receive systemic thrombolysis, or be on mechanical ventilation. In the IPTW logistic regression model, CBT was associated with lower odds of in-hospital death in high-risk [odds ratio (OR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80-0.87] and intermediate-risk PE (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.70-0.83). Patients with high-risk PE treated with CBT were associated with lower risk of 90-day all-cause [hazard ratio (HR) 0.77, 95% CI 0.71-0.83] and VTE (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.34-0.63) readmission. Patients with intermediate-risk PE treated with CBT were associated with lower risk of 90-day all-cause (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.72-0.79) and VTE (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.57-0.76) readmission. Among patients with high-risk or intermediate-risk PE, CBT was associated with lower in-hospital death and 90-day readmission. Prospective, randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Single-session catheter-directed lysis using adjunctive clot fragmentation with power pulse spray only is a fast, safe, and effective option for acute pulmonary embolism

ObjectiveSingle-session, catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) with adjunctive power pulse spray (PPS) only, without thrombectomy, was evaluated for its safety and effectiveness. We performed a single-center, retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. MethodsPatients with high-risk or intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) who met the inclusion criteria and underwent a single session of CDT-PPS were included in the study. The primary outcomes assessed were technical and clinical success and major adverse events. Secondary outcomes included effectiveness based on pre- and postintervention clinical examination, radiographic findings, and reversal of right ventricular dysfunction at 48 hours and 4 weeks after discharge on echocardiography and computed tomography pulmonary angiography. The length of stay in the intensive care unit and overall admission were also analyzed. A return to premorbid exercise tolerance was evaluated at 12 months after the procedure. ResultsBetween May 2016 and January 2023, 104 patients at the Wollongong Hospital were diagnosed with high- or intermediate-risk PE and underwent CDT-PPS. Of the 104 patients, 49 (47%) were considered to have high-risk PE and 55 (53%) intermediate-risk PE. Eleven patients (11%) had absolute contraindications and 49 patients (47%) had relative contraindications to systemic thrombolysis. Technical success was achieved in 102 patients (98%). Survival was 99% at 48 hours, 96% at 4 weeks, and 91% at 12 months. At 4 weeks, echocardiography showed 98% of patients had no evidence of right heart dysfunction, and computed tomography pulmonary angiography showed complete resolution of PE in 72%. There were no major adverse events at 48 hours. The median intensive care unit length of stay was 1 day, and the overall length of stay was 6 days. At 12 months, 96% had returned to their premorbid status. ConclusionsThe CDT-PPS technique is fast, safe, and effective in the treatment of high- and intermediate-risk PE, even in patients with a high bleeding risk, and should be considered as first-line management when the skills and resources are available. Further multicenter prospective studies are needed to corroborate these results.

Association between right ventricular global longitudinal strain and mortality in intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism.

Right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction has been identified as a prognostic marker for adverse clinical events in patients presenting with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). However, challenges exist in identifying RV dysfunction using conventional echocardiography techniques. Strain echocardiography is an evolving imaging modality which measures myocardial deformation and can be used as an objective index of RV systolic function. This study evaluated RV Global Longitudinal Strain (RVGLS) in patients with intermediate risk PE as a parameter of RV dysfunction, and compared to traditional echocardiographic and CT parameters evaluating short-term mortality. Retrospective single center cohort study of 251 patients with intermediate-risk PE between 2010 and 2018. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 30 days. Statistical analysis evaluated each parameter comparing survivors versus non-survivors at 30 days. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier curves were used for comparison of the two cohorts. Altogether 251 patients were evaluated. Overall mortality rate was 12.4%. Utilizing an ROC curve, an absolute cutoff value of 17.7 for RVGLS demonstrated a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 70% for observed 30-day mortality. Individuals with an RVGLS ≤17.7 had a 25 times higher mortality rate than those with RVGLS above 17.7 (HR 25.24, 95% CI=6.0-106.4, p<.001). Area under the curve was (.855), RVGLS outperformed traditional echocardiographic parameters, CT findings, and cardiac biomarkers on univariable and multivariable analysis. Reduced RVGLS values on initial echocardiographic assessment of patients with intermediate-risk PE identified patients at higher risk for mortality at 30 days.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Pulmonary Embolism.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most common cardiovascular disease. For most patients, the standard of treatment has long consisted on low-molecular-weight heparin followed by vitamin K antagonists, but a number of clinical trials and, subsequently, post-marketing studies have shown that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) with or without lead-in heparin therapy are effective alternatives with fewer adverse effects. This evidence has led to important changes in the guidelines on the treatment of VTE, including pulmonary embolism (PE), with the DOACs being now recommended as the first therapeutic choice. Additional research has contributed to identifying low-risk PE patients who can benefit from outpatient management or from early discharge from the emergency department with DOAC treatment. There is evidence to support the use of DOACs in intermediate-risk PE patients as well as in high-risk patients receiving thrombolytic treatment. The use of DOACs has also been proven to be safe and effective in special populations of PE patients, such as patients with renal impairment, liver impairment, and cancer.

Relationship Between the Mixed Venous-to-Arterial Carbon Dioxide Gradient and Cardiac Index in Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Among patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) undergoing mechanical thrombectomy, the cardiac index (CI) is frequently reduced even among those without clinically apparent shock. The purpose of this study was to describe the mixed venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide gradient (CO2 gap), a surrogate of perfusion adequacy, among patients with acute PE undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. This was a single-center retrospective study of consecutive patients with PE undergoing mechanical thrombectomy and simultaneous pulmonary artery catheterization over a 3-year period. Of 107 patients, 97 had simultaneous mixed venous and arterial blood gas measurements available. The CO2 gap was elevated (>6 mmHg) in 51% of the cohort and in 49% of patients with intermediate-risk PE. A reduced CI (≤2.2 L/min/m2) was associated with an increased odds (OR = 7.9; 95% CI 3.49-18.1, p < 0.001) for an elevated CO2 gap. There was an inverse relationship between CI and CO2 gap. For every 1 L/min/m2 decrease in the CI, the CO2 gap increased by 1.3 mmHg (p = 0.001). Among patients with an elevated baseline CO2 gap >6 mmHg, thrombectomy improved CO2 gap, CI, and mixed venous oxygen saturation. When the CO2 gap was dichotomized above and below 6, there was no difference in in-hospital mortality (9% vs. 0%; p = 0.10, HR: 1.24; 95% CI: 0.97-1.60; P = 0.085). Among patients with acute PE undergoing mechanical thrombectomy, the CO2 gap is abnormal in nearly 50% of patients and inversely related to CI. Further studies should examine the relationship between markers of perfusion and outcomes in this population to refine risk stratification.

Use of Ultrasound-Assisted, Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in a Patient With High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism.

High-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) is a complex clinical entity associated with high mortality rates. Ultrasound-assisted, catheter-directed thrombolysis, typically used for intermediate-risk PE, may be a viable treatment approach for high-risk PE, particularly in patients at increased risk for major bleeding. This report describes a case in which ultrasound-assisted, catheter-directed thrombolysis was successfully used to treat high-risk PE in a female patient with extensive peritoneal metastases from gastric adenocarcinoma. Other examples from the literature, in which ultrasound-assisted, catheter-directed thrombolysis was used to treat high-risk PE, are also provided.

The utility of the systemic immune inflammation and systemic inflammation response indices in suspected intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism

The utility of the systemic immune inflammation and systemic inflammation response indices in suspected intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism

Risk Stratification and Management of Intermediate-Risk Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common cause of cardiovascular death and necessitates prompt, accurate risk assessment at initial diagnosis to guide treatment and reduce associated mortality. Intermediate-risk PE, defined as the presence of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in the absence of hemodynamic compromise, carries a significant risk for adverse clinical outcomes and represents a unique diagnostic challenge. While small clinical trials have evaluated advanced treatment strategies beyond standard anticoagulation, such as thrombolytic or endovascular therapy, there remains continued debate on the optimal care for this patient population. Here, we review the most recent risk stratification models, highlighting differences between prediction scores and their limitations, and discuss the utility of serologic biomarkers and imaging modalities to detect right ventricular dysfunction. Additionally, we examine current treatment recommendations including anticoagulation strategies, use of thrombolytics at full and reduced doses, and utilization of invasive treatment options. Current knowledge gaps and ongoing studies are highlighted.

Contemporary Management and Outcomes of Patients With High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism

BackgroundContemporary care patterns/outcomes in high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) patients are unknown. ObjectivesThis study sought to characterize the management of high-risk PE patients and identify factors associated with poor outcomes. MethodsA retrospective analysis of the PERT (Pulmonary Embolism Response Team) Consortium Registry was performed. Patients presenting with intermediate-risk PE, high-risk PE, and catastrophic PE (those with hemodynamic collapse) were identified. Patient characteristics were compared with chi-square testing for categorical covariates and Student's t-test for continuous covariates. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between clinical characteristics and outcomes in the high-risk population. ResultsOf 5,790 registry patients, 2,976 presented with intermediate-risk PE and 1,442 with high-risk PE. High-risk PE patients were more frequently treated with advanced therapies than intermediate-risk PE patients (41.9% vs 30.2%; P < 0.001). In-hospital mortality (20.6% vs 3.7%; P < 0.001) and major bleeding (10.5% vs. 3.5%; P < 0.001) were more common in high-risk PE. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated vasopressor use (OR: 4.56; 95% CI: 3.27-6.38; P < 0.01), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use (OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.12-7.30; P = 0.03), identified clot-in-transit (OR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.13-4.52; P = 0.02), and malignancy (OR: = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.13-2.56; P = 0.01) as factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Catastrophic PE patients (n = 197 [13.7% of high-risk PE patients]) had higher in-hospital mortality (42.1% vs 17.2%; P < 0.001) than those presenting with noncatastrophic high-risk PE. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (13.3% vs. 4.8% P < 0.001) and systemic thrombolysis (25% vs 11.3%; P < 0.001) were used more commonly in catastrophic PE. ConclusionsIn the largest analysis of high-risk PE patients to date, mortality rates were high with the worst outcomes among patients with hemodynamic collapse.

Ultrasound-Assisted Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for the Management of Pulmonary Embolism: A Single Center Experience in a Community Hospital.

Current guidelines recommend anticoagulation alone for low-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) with the addition of systemic thrombolysis for high-risk PE. However, treatment recommendations for intermediate-risk PE are not well-defined. Due to bleeding risks associated with systemic thrombolysis, ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis (USAT) has evolved as a promising treatment modality. USAT is thought to decrease the rate of major bleeding by using localized delivery with lower thrombolytic dosages. Currently, there is little guidance on the implementation of USAT in the real-world clinical setting. This study was designed to evaluate our experience with USAT at this single community hospital with a newly initiated Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT). All patients identified by the PERT with an acute PE diagnosed by a computed tomography (CT) scan from January 2021 to January 2023 were included. During the study period, there were 89 PERT activations with 40 patients (1 high-risk and 37 intermediate-risk PE) receiving USAT with alteplase administered at a fixed rate of 1 mg/h per catheter for 6 h. The primary efficacy outcome was the change in Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) score within 48 h after USAT. The primary safety outcome was major bleeding within 72 h. The mean age was 57.4 ± 17.4 years and 50% (n = 20) were male, 17.5% (n = 7) had active malignancy, and 20% (n = 8) had a history of prior deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or PE. The mean PESI score decreased from baseline to 48 h post-USAT (84.7 vs 74.9; p = 0.025) and there were no major bleeding events. The overall hospital length of stay was 7.5 ± 9.8 days and ICU length of stay was 2.2 ± 2.8 days. This study outlined our experience at this single community hospital which resulted in an improvement in PESI scores and no major bleeding events observed.

High and intermediate risk pulmonary embolism in the ICU.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and important medical emergency, encountered by clinicians across all acute care specialties. PE is a relatively uncommon cause of direct admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), but these patients are at high risk of death. More commonly, patients admitted to ICU develop PE as a complication of an unrelated acute illness. This paper reviews the epidemiology, diagnosis, risk stratification, and particularly the management of PE from a critical care perspective. Issues around prevention, anticoagulation, fibrinolysis, catheter-based techniques, surgical embolectomy, and extracorporeal support are discussed.