Surgical Pulmonary Embolectomy Research Articles

Chronic thromboembolic disease among patients undergoing surgical pulmonary embolectomy for acute pulmonary embolism.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of chronic thromboembolic lesions in the pulmonary arteries among patients undergoing pulmonary embolectomy for acute pulmonary embolism and their impact on treatment outcomes. We conducted a retrospective, single-center analysis of consecutive patients undergoing emergency pulmonary embolectomy for acute pulmonary embolism between 2013 and August 2021. According to European Society of Cardiology guidelines, the diagnosis was based on clinical presentation, imaging studies and laboratory tests. Surgery was selected as the optimal treatment modality within the Pulmonary Embolism Response Team. Based on the intraoperatively identified chronic lesions patients were divided into two groups: acute only and acute/chronic. The analysis comprised history, laboratory and imaging studies, early and long-term mortality, and postoperative complications. We determined predictive factors for chronic thromboembolic lesions and risk factors for death. The analysis included 33 patients. Intraoperatively, 42% (14) of patients had chronic lesions. Predictive factors for these lesions are the duration of symptoms >1 week (OR=13.75), pulmonary artery dilatation >3.15 cm (OR=39.00) and right ventricle systolic pressure >52 mmHg (OR=29.33). No hospital deaths occurred in the acute only group and two in the acute/chronic group (0% vs. 14.3%; P=0.172). Risk factors for death are the duration of symptoms >3 weeks (HR=7.35) and postoperative use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (HR=7.04). Acute thromboembolic disease overlapping chronic clots is relatively common among patients undergoing pulmonary artery embolectomy. A detailed evaluation of the patient's medical history and imaging studies can identify these patients, as they require special attention when making treatment decisions. Surgical treatment in a center of expertise in pulmonary endarterectomy seems reasonable.

A Brief Historical Perspective on Pulmonary Embolism

AbstractPulmonary embolism is a major cause of mortality worldwide. In this historical perspective, we aim to provide an overview of the rich medical history surrounding pulmonary embolism. We highlight Virchow's first steps toward understanding the pathophysiology in the 1800s. We see how those insights inspired early attempts at intervention such as surgical pulmonary embolectomy and caval ligation. Those early interventions were refined and ultimately led to the development of inferior vena cava filters, the earliest clinical applications of anticoagulation, and even apparently disparate medical advances such as the successful development of cardiopulmonary bypass. We also see how the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism has evolved from rudimentary monitoring of vitals and symptoms to the development of evermore sophisticated tests such as contrast tomography angiography and echocardiography. Finally, we discuss current approaches to diagnosis, classification, and myriad treatments including anticoagulation, thrombolysis, catheter-directed interventions, surgical embolectomy, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation guided by Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams.

Incidence and outcomes of surgical pulmonary embolectomy in the UK.

Surgical pulmonary embolectomy is rarely used for the treatment of massive acute pulmonary embolism. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and outcomes of this operation by undertaking a retrospective analysis of a large national registry in the UK. All acute pulmonary embolectomies performed between 1996 and 2018 were captured in the National Institute of Cardiovascular Outcomes Research central database. Trends in the number of operations performed during this interval and reported in-hospital outcomes were analysed retrospectively. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for in-hospital death. All 256 patients treated surgically for acute pulmonary embolism during the study interval were included in the analysis. Median age at presentation was 54 years, 55.9% of the patients were men, 48.0% had class IV heart failure symptoms, and 37.5% had preoperative cardiogenic shock. The median duration of bypass was 73 min, and median cross-clamp time was 19 min. Cardioplegic arrest was used in 53.1% of patients. The median duration of hospital stay was 11 days. The in-hospital mortality rate was 25%, postoperative stroke occurred in 5.4%, postoperative dialysis was required in 16%, and the reoperation rate for bleeding was 7.5%. Risk-adjusted multivariable analysis revealed cardiogenic shock (OR 2.54, 95% c.i. 1.05 to 6.21; P = 0.038), preoperative ventilation (OR 5.85, 2.22 to 16.35; P < 0.001), and duration of cardiopulmonary bypass exceeding 89 min (OR 7.82, 3.25 to 20.42; P < 0.001) as significant independent risk factors for in-hospital death. Surgical pulmonary embolectomy is rarely performed in the UK, and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Preoperative ventilation, cardiogenic shock, and increased duration of bypass were significant predictors of in-hospital death.

State of the Art Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism

The desire for surgical intervention for pulmonary embolism (PE) precipitated the development of cardiopulmonary bypass, and therefore a new era in history of cardiac surgery, cardiology, and medicine. However, the advent of systemic thrombolysis and catheter-directed therapy have decreased interest in surgical management of PE. Surgical pulmonary embolectomy is limited to patients in critical condition with high mortality after other interventions have failed. The issue with clinicians delaying surgical pulmonary embolectomy is that in the interim patients may become critically ill with irreversible end organ dysfunction. Management necessitates decompression of RV afterload by relieving PE obstruction to improve RV function and left ventricular filling. Understanding the pathophysiology of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction and RV failure with a multidisciplinary heart team is paramount.

Risk factors and treatment interventions associated with incomplete thrombus resolution and pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary embolism

BackgroundResidual pulmonary vascular occlusion (RPVO) affects one half of patients after a pulmonary embolism (PE). The relationship between the risk factors and therapeutic interventions for the development of RPVO and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is unknown. MethodsThis retrospective review included PE patients within a 26-month period who had baseline and follow-up imaging studies (ie, computed tomography [CT], ventilation/perfusion scans, transthoracic echocardiography) available. We collected the incidence of RPVO, percentage of pulmonary artery occlusion (%PAO), baseline CT %PAO, most recent CT %PAO, and difference between the baseline and most recent %PAO on CT (Δ%PAO). ResultsA total of 354 patients had imaging reports available; 197 with CT and 315 with transthoracic echocardiography. The median follow-up time was 144 days (interquartile range [IQR], 102-186 days). RPVO was present in 38.9% of the 354 patients. The median Δ%PAO was −10.0% (IQR, −32% to −1.2%). Fewer patients with a provoked PE developed RPVO (P ≤ .01), and the initial troponin level was lower in patients who developed RPVO (P = .03). The initial thrombus was larger in the patients who received advanced intervention vs anticoagulation (baseline CT %PAO: median, 61.2%; [IQR, 27.5%-75.0%] vs median, 12.5% [IQR, 2.5%-40.0%]; P ≤ .0001). Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT; median Δ%PAO, −47.5%; IQR, −63.7% to −8.7%) and surgical pulmonary embolectomy (SPE; median Δ%PAO, −42.5; IQR, −68.1% to −18.7%) had the largest thrombus reduction compared with anticoagulation (P = .01). Of the 354 patients, 76 developed pulmonary hypertension; however, only 14 received pulmonary hypertension medications and 12 underwent pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. Cancer (odds ratio [OR], 1.7) and planned prolonged anticoagulation (>1 year; OR, 2.20) increased the risk of RPVO. In contrast, the risk was lower for men (OR, 0.61), patients with recent surgery (OR, 0.33), and patients treated with SPE (OR, 0.42). A larger Δ%PAO was found in men (coefficient, −8.94), patients with a lower body mass index (coefficient, −0.66), patients treated with CDT (coefficient, −18.12), and patients treated with SPE (coefficient, −21.69). A lower Δ%PAO was found in African-American patients (coefficient, 7.31). ConclusionsThe use of CDT and SPE showed long-term benefit in thrombus reduction.

Role of catheter-directed therapies in the treatment of acute pulmonary embolism. Expert opinion of the Polish PERT Initiative, Working Group on Pulmonary Circulation, Association of Cardiovascular Interventions, and Association of Intensive Cardiac Care of the Polish Cardiac Society.

Thanks to advances in interventional cardiology technologies, catheter-directed treatment has become recently a viable therapeutic option in the treatment of patients with acute pulmonary embolism at high risk of early mortality. Current transcatheter techniques allow for local fibrinolysis or embolectomy with minimal risk of complications. Therefore, these procedures can be considered in high-risk patients as an alternative to surgical pulmonary embolectomy when systemic thrombolysis is contraindicated or ineffective. They are also considered in patients with intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism who do not improve or deteriorate clinically despite anticoagulation. The purpose of this article is to present the role of transcatheter techniques in the treatment of patients with acute pulmonary embolism. We describe current knowledge and expert opinions in this field. Interventional treatment is described in the broader context of patient care organization and therapeutic modalities. We present the organization and responsibilities of pulmonary embolism response team, role of pre-procedural imaging, periprocedural anticoagulation, patient selection, timing of intervention, and intensive care support. Currently available catheter-directed therapies are discussed in detail including standardized protocols and definitions of procedural success and failure. This expert opinion has been developed in collaboration with experts from various Polish scientific societies, which highlights the role of teamwork in caring for patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

Successful emergency surgical pulmonary embolectomy for massive pulmonary embolism after urgent cesarean delivery.

Successful emergency surgical pulmonary embolectomy for massive pulmonary embolism after urgent cesarean delivery.

Surgical pulmonary embolectomy: state of the art.

Acute pulmonary embolism is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Patients in life-threatening conditions require timely and effective interventions to improve pulmonary perfusion. The indications for surgical embolectomy in the thrombolysis era have been limited. This article discusses surgical techniques and outlines the position of surgical embolectomy concerning other treatment modalities.

Surgical Management of Massive Pulmonary Embolism Presenting with Cardiopulmonary Arrest: How Far Is Too Far?

The incidence of diagnosed massive pulmonary embolism presenting to the Emergency Department is between 3% and 4.5% and it is associated with high mortality if not intervened timely. Cardiopulmonary arrest in this subset of patients carries a very poor prognosis, and various treating pathways have been applied with modest rate of success. Systemic thrombolysis is an established first line of treatment, but surgeons are often involved in the decision-making because of the improving surgical pulmonary embolectomy outcomes.

Anticoagulant management for transition from failed thrombolysis to extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism: A thoughtful approach

Acute venous thromboembolism represents a spectrum of clinical syndromes of which high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) with consecutive right ventricular failure and cardiogenic shock (CS) is the most severe presentation. First-line treatment options are surgical pulmonary embolectomy, systemic thrombolysis or catheter-based therapies. The role of mechanical circulatory support with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A-ECMO) is multifarious in this setting and can be considered as either a bridge to pulmonary artery reperfusion by any of the aforementioned options or as salvage bridge intervention for patients in refractory CS after failure of another treatment. In the subpopulation of patients that are placed on V-A-ECMO after failed thrombolysis, the mortality rates are among the highest, partially due to the high rates of bleeding events. The challenges in the interpretation of anticoagulant monitoring and, consequently, the titration of anticoagulation at least contribute to this high mortality. Here, we discuss the strengths and limitations of different anticoagulant parameters in this setting and propose an approach based on monitoring of Heparin anti-factor Xa (anti-Xa) assay and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in parallel to drive unfractionated heparin (UFH) titration in patients with high-risk PE after fibrinolysis during the first 24 h on V-A-ECMO.

OUTCOMES FROM CATHETER-DIRECTED EMBOLECTOMY VERSUS SURGICAL PULMONARY EMBOLECTOMY FOR PATIENTS WITH ACUTE PE

OUTCOMES FROM CATHETER-DIRECTED EMBOLECTOMY VERSUS SURGICAL PULMONARY EMBOLECTOMY FOR PATIENTS WITH ACUTE PE

Advances in Percutaneous Management of Pulmonary Embolism.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Systemic anticoagulation remains the recommended treatment for low-risk PE. Systemic thrombolysis is the recommended treatment for PE with hemodynamic compromise (massive/high-risk PE). A significant number of patients are not candidates for systemic thrombolysis due to the bleeding risk associated with thrombolytics. Historically, surgical pulmonary embolectomy (SPE) was recommended for massive PE with hemodynamic compromise for these patients. In the last decade, catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) has largely replaced SPE in the patient population with intermediate risk PE (submassive), defined as right heart strain (as evidenced by right ventricle enlargement on echocardiogram and/or computed tomography, usually along with elevation of troponin or B-type natriuretic peptide). Use of CDT increased in the last few years due to high incidence of PE in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia, and the use of mechanical thrombectomy (initially reserved for those with contraindications to thrombolysis) has also grown. In this article, we discuss the value of the PE response team, our approach to management of submassive (intermediate risk) and massive (high risk) PE with systemic thrombolytics, CDT, mechanical thrombectomy, and surgical embolectomy.

Acute Massive and Submassive Pulmonary Embolism: Historical Considerations/Surgical Techniques of Pulmonary Embolectomy/Novel Applications in Donor Lungs with Pulmonary Emboli.

Pulmonary embolectomy has a chequered history but the quest to surgically treat a patient diagnosed with pulmonary embolism effectively spurred the development of cardiopulmonary bypass and a new dawn for cardiac surgery. The advent of cardiopulmonary bypass, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and computed tomography pulmonary angiogram has allowed rapid diagnosis and made surgical pulmonary embolectomy a relatively safe procedure that should be considered when indicated. Pulmonary emboli in donor lungs, often get rejected for transplantation. Ex vivo lung perfusion is among newly available technology with the ability to not only recondition marginal lungs but also treat donor lung pulmonary embolisms, effectively increasing the donor pool.

Catheter-directed therapies for the treatment of high risk (massive) and intermediate risk (submassive) acute pulmonary embolism.

Catheter-directed therapies for the treatment of high risk (massive) and intermediate risk (submassive) acute pulmonary embolism.

Outcome after surgical embolectomy for acute pulmonary embolism.

Patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) and contraindications for or failed thrombolysis are at the highest risk for PE-related fatal events. These patients may benefit from surgical embolectomy, but data concerning this approach are still limited. The method used here was retrospective data analysis of 103 patients who underwent surgical embolectomy from 2002 to 2020 at our department. Mean age was 58.4 (±15.1) years. Fifty-eight (56.3%) patients had undergone recent surgery; the surgery was tumor associated in 32 (31.1%) cases. Thirty (29.1%) patients had to be resuscitated due to PE, and 13 (12.6%) patients underwent thrombolysis prior to pulmonary embolectomy. Fifteen (14.5%) patients were placed on extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) peri-operatively. Five patients (4.9%) died intra-operatively. Neurological symptoms occurred in four patients (3.9%). Thirty-day mortality was 23.3% ( n = 24). Re-thoracotomy due to bleeding was necessary in 12 (11.6%) patients. This parameter was also identified as an independent risk factor for mortality. Surgical pulmonary embolectomy resulted in survival of the majority of patients with PE and contraindications for or failed thrombolysis. Given the excessive mortality when left untreated, an operative approach should become a routine part of discussions concerning alternative treatment options for these patients.

232 A multidisciplinary case of multiple myeloma with cardiac and renal involvement: a look beyond amyloidosis

Abstract Aims Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant neoplasm with a frequent cardiac involvement characterized by restrictive cardiomyopathy. Kidney and thromboembolic complications are also described. Methods and results A 52-year-old woman with a history of kidney disease was admitted to nephrology department due to worsening of renal function and refractory hypertension. A bone marrow biopsy revealed the diagnosis of MM. A renal and fat pad biopsy with Congo red staining was performed but amyloid deposition was not observed. Increased cardiac enzymes suggested a cardiac involvement. Indeed, two intracardiac right-sided masses and massive pulmonary embolism were detected. Surgical cardiac intervention was promptly performed and a chemotherapy regimen was started. Meantime, a kidney biopsy revealed a light-chain deposition disease. Conclusions This case highlights that multiple organ involvement in patients with MM may result from a combination of paraprotein-dependent and -independent factors. Moreover, in patients with not acute massive pulmonary embolism and intracardiac right masses, surgical pulmonary embolectomy should be promptly performed to preserve RV function and to avoid prevent pulmonary hypertension development.

SURGICAL PULMONARY EMBOLECTOMY: NATIONWIDE TRENDS, OUTCOMES, AND COMPLICATIONS

TOPIC: Cardiothoracic Surgery TYPE: Original Investigations PURPOSE: Approximately 0.3 million people die of pulmonary embolism (PE) yearly in the United States. Treatment of acute PE varies from anticoagulation to thrombolysis and embolectomy depending on severity and risk score as well as complications such as core pulmonale. Surgical pulmonary embolectomy remains a treatment option for selected patients with sub-massive and massive PE. It is utilized in patients who have absolute contraindication for thrombolysis, or when the catheter-based treatments fail. Surgical embolectomy was associated with high mortality historically but recent small studies have reported improvement in outcomes due to improved patient selection and advancement in techniques. However, data is still lacking from larger cohorts. Hence, we aim to estimate the trends and outcomes of surgical embolectomy using the largest all payer database in the United States. METHODS: National Inpatient Sample by Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project for the years 2010-2018 were used to identify adult hospitalizations due to PE by using International Classification of Diseases (9th/10th Editions) Clinical Modification diagnosis codes (ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM). Surgical embolectomy as well as other concurrent diagnosis and comorbidities were identified by previously validated ICD-9/10-CM procedure and diagnosis codes. Our primary objective was to delineate utilization trends and outcomes. Cochran Armitage trend test and multivariable survey logistic regression models were used to analyze the data using SAS 9.4 software. RESULTS: Among 1,627,718 hospitalizations due to PE from 2010 to 2018, 3,465 (0.2%) patients underwent surgical pulmonary embolectomy. The proportion of patients treated with embolectomy steadily increased from 0.15% to 0.23% from 2010 to 2018 (p<0.01). Surgical embolectomy patient cohort was 67% <65 of age, 53% males and 70% Caucasians. 40.3% patients had saddle PE. The overall post-procedural in-hospital mortality was 13.9%, discharged to facilities was 32% with mean hospital stay of 13-days. In, trend analysis in-hospital mortality has been decreased and discharge to facilities increased. Among 3,465 embolectomy patients 68.27% underwent cardiopulmonary bypass, 3.74% received ECMO treatment, 9.62% had perioperative cardiac arrest, 32% required mechanical ventilation, 3.2% bleeding complications and 0.9% had intra cerebral hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: In this nationally representative study, we observed increasing numbers of surgical embolectomy cases between 2010-2018 and some improvements in annual outcomes. Considering this result, and the fact that surgical embolectomy is currently used as a salvage technique, it can be optimized through better risk stratification among selected patient populations. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our study provides epidemiological and outcomes trends of PE patients undergoing surgical embolectomy procedures which can be used as foundation for furthering improving outcomes in high-risk PE patients requiring this surgical intervention. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Sulee Alcacoas, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Achint Patel, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Pooja Patel, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Harshil Shah, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Csaba Sipos, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Shrujal Varma, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Vivek Joseph Varughese, source=Web Response

PULMONARY EMBOLISM-INDUCED CARDIAC ARREST: 90 MINUTES OF CPR AFTER THROMBOLYTICS

TOPIC: Pulmonary Vascular Disease TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a common clinical presentation that is typically easy to treat. The problem arises if the PE is considered high-risk, define as presenting with hemodynamic instability. High-risk PE is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment. Treatment of high-risk PE involves parenteral anticoagulation and reperfusion therapy which can include systemic thrombolytics such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), catheter-directed treatments, or surgical embolectomy. Here, we describe a case of high-risk PE where tPA was used as a life-saving measure when administered during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CASE PRESENTATION: A 63 year old female with no past medical history who presented with progressively worsening shortness of breath over the past four days. Computed tomography pulmonary angiogram revealed saddle embolism with evidence of right heart strain. Patient had pulseless electrical activity arrest while in the emergency room. Code Blue was called and initiated Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support with emergent intubation and CPR. Patient had no absolute contraindication to systemic thrombolytic therapy. Alteplase was given and CPR lasted approximately 90 minutes, at which time return loss of spontaneous circulation was intermittent lost and obtained. Patient was following commands after CPR. Hospitalization course included echocardiogram which demonstrated right ventricular (RV) failure, commencing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for right ventricular support, and continuous renal replacement therapy due to acute tubular necrosis. Fortunately, patient was eventually decannulated off ECMO, kidney function improved, and extubated. She was subsequently discharged to rehab after fifteen days of hospitalization and then discharged home two weeks later. DISCUSSION: The 2019 guidelines by European Society of Cardiology noted the use of systemic thrombolytics as first-line treatment in high-risk PE as a class I recommendation. On the other hand, surgical pulmonary embolectomy is a class I recommendation and catheter-directed treatment is a class II recommendation, but both types of treatment apply to patients with absolute contraindication to systemic thrombolytics. If thrombolytics are administered, the European Resuscitation Council recommends that CPR be continued for at least 60-90 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: In this patient, ECMO intervention is essential because RV failure is the leading cause of death in patients with high-risk PE. This case also demonstrates the importance of prolong CPR after systemic thrombolytics is given in a patient with PE-induced cardiac arrest. REFERENCE #1: Konstantinides SV, Meyer G, Becattini C, et al. 2019 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism developed in collaboration with the European Respiratory Society (Ers). Eur Heart J. 2020;41(4):543-603. REFERENCE #2: Truhlář A, Deakin CD, Soar J, et al. European resuscitation council guidelines for resuscitation 2015: section 4. Cardiac arrest in special circumstances. Resuscitation. 2015;95:148-201. DISCLOSURES: no disclosure on file for Tyler Boozel; No relevant relationships by Megan Fisher, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Chun Siu, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Ashley Vojtek, source=Web Response

Acute Pulmonary Embolism During Pregnancy and Puerperium: National Trends and In-Hospital Outcomes

ObjectiveTo investigate the trend and outcomes of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) during pregnancy and puerperium using a large national database. Patients and MethodsThe National Inpatient Sample was queried to identify pregnancy-related hospitalizations in the United States from January 1, 2007, through September 30, 2015. Temporal trends in the rates of acute PE and in-hospital mortality rates were extracted. ResultsAmong 37,524,314 hospitalizations, 6,333 patients (0.02%) had acute PE. The prevalence of comorbidities and risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and smoking increased, but rates of acute PE did not change significantly (18.01 in 2007 vs 19.36 in 2015, per 100,000 hospitalizations, Ptrends=.21). Advanced therapies were used in a small number of women (systemic thrombolysis: 2.4%, surgical pulmonary embolectomy: 0.5%, and inferior vena cava filter in 8.3%). Rates of in-hospital mortality were almost 200-fold higher among those who had acute PE (29.3 vs 0.13, per 1000 pregnancy-related, P<.001). The rate of in-hospital mortality did not change among women with acute PE (2.6% in 2007 vs 2.5% in 2015, Ptrends=.74). ConclusionIn this contemporary analysis of pregnancy-related hospitalizations, acute PE was uncommon, but rates have not decreased over the past decade. Acute PE during pregnancy and puerperium was associated with high maternal mortality, and the rates of in-hospital mortality have not improved. Future studies to improve prevention and management of acute PE during pregnancy and puerperium are warranted.

Catheter-based interventions versus medical and surgical approaches in acute pulmonary embolism

ObjectiveCatheter-based intervention (CBI) has become an increasingly popular option for treating pulmonary embolism (PE); however, the real benefits are unknown. The purpose of the present study was to compare the outcomes of patients treated with CBI with the outcomes of those treated with medical or surgical approaches. MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of patients admitted from October 2015 to December 2017 with a diagnosis of acute PE. We compared patients aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of acute PE treated with CBI against a control group identified by propensity score matching. The control group was divided into those who had undergone surgical pulmonary embolectomy (SPE) as the surgical group and those who had not undergone SPE as the medical group. The primary outcome was mortality (in-hospital and overall mortality). The secondary outcomes were major bleeding, length of hospital stay, thrombus resolution, right ventricle improvement in systolic function and dilatation, and recurrent PE. ResultsOf the 108 patients, 30 were in the CBI group and 78 were in the control group (62 in the medical group and 16 in the surgical group). The patient characteristics on admission were similar, except for the body mass index, which was greater in the CBI group (P = .03). No difference was found in clinical severity, clot burden, right ventricle function, or biomarkers. Recurrent PE was less frequent in the CBI group than in the medical group (0% vs 6.4%). Otherwise, no significant differences were found in the outcomes between the CBI and medical groups. When CBI was compared with the surgical group, SPE was associated with improved mortality (0% vs 16.6%) but a longer median length of hospital stay (median, 7 days; interquartile range, 3-12 days; vs median, 8 days; interquartile range, 6.5-17 days). ConclusionsThe use of CBI reduced the number of recurrent PE events compared with the medically treated patients; however, the mortality was higher than that in the surgical group.