Rationale for catheter-based therapies in acute pulmonary embolism

Abstract Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common disease resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. High-risk features of PE are hypotension or shock, and early reperfusion is warranted to unload the strained right ventricle and improve clinical outcomes. Currently, systemic thrombolysis (ST) is the standard of care but is associated with bleeding complications. Catheter-based therapies (CDT) have emerged as a promising alternative having demonstrated to be equally effective while having a lower risk of bleeding. Several CDT are currently available, some combining mechanical properties with low-dose thrombolytics. Recent guidelines suggest that CDT may be considered in patients with high-risk PE who have high bleeding risk, after failed ST, or in patients with rapid haemodynamic deterioration as bail-out before ST can be effective, depending on local availability and expertise. In haemodynamically stable patients with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (intermediate-risk PE), CDT may be considered if clinical deterioration occurs after starting anticoagulation and relative contraindications for ST due to bleeding risk exist. Decision on treatment modality should follow a risk-benefit analysis on a case by case base, weighing the risk of PE-related complications; i.e. haemodynamic deterioration vs. bleeding. As timely initiation of treatment is warranted to prevent early mortality, bleeding risk factors should be assessed at an early stage in all patients with acute PE and signs of RV dysfunction. To ensure optimal management of complex cases of PE and assess a potential CDT strategy, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended. A dedicated Pulmonary Embolism Response Team may optimize this process.

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

European Heart Journal Acute Cardiovascular Care ◽

10.1093/ehjacc/zuab020.196 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

MM Martin Cabeza ◽

MJ Garcia Gonzalez ◽

P Jorge Perez ◽

A Sanchez-Grande Flecha ◽

R Munoz Rodriguez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Pulmonary Hypertension ◽

High Risk ◽

Low Dose ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Bleeding Complications ◽

Common Disease ◽

Effective Treatment Option ◽

Femoral Access ◽

Rv Function

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,

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Treatment Difficulties in High Risk Pulmonary Embolism. A Case Report

Journal Of Cardiovascular Emergencies ◽

10.1515/jce-2016-0007 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 37-42

Author(s):

Balázs Bajka ◽

Edvin Benedek ◽

Alexandra Stănescu ◽

Emese Rapolti ◽

Monica Chițu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

High Risk ◽

Thrombolytic Agent ◽

Bleeding Risk ◽

Systemic Thrombolysis ◽

Catheter Directed Thrombolysis ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Surgical Embolectomy ◽

High Bleeding Risk

Abstract Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a common and potentially life-threatening cardiovascular emergency. Systemic thrombolysis with intravenous infusion of a thrombolytic agent is generally recommended for treatment of high risk PE. However, this method has known limitations in the presence of high bleeding risk. Catheter-directed thrombolysis has the potential to achieve the same benefits as systemic thrombolysis, with a lower risk of haemorrhage. The case presented is of a 67-year-old male patient with a high risk of pulmonary embolism and contraindications for systemic thrombolysis, in whom the presence of severe comorbidities presented an increased risk of surgical embolectomy, who was successfully treated by catheter-directed thrombolysis.

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

European Heart Journal Acute Cardiovascular Care ◽

10.1093/ehjacc/zuab020.194 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

M Muzzio ◽

A Rossini ◽

D Costa ◽

L Garcia Iturralde ◽

C Gonzalez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

High Risk ◽

Pulmonary Artery ◽

Systolic Pressure ◽

Bleeding Risk ◽

Cardiovascular Death ◽

Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure ◽

Systemic Thrombolysis ◽

Funding Sources ◽

High Bleeding Risk

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 < 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.

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Acute pulmonary embolism in COVID-19 patient: a case report of free-floating right heart thrombus successfully treated with fibrinolysis

European Heart Journal - Case Reports ◽

10.1093/ehjcr/ytaa388 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Fernando Scudiero ◽

Antonino Pitì ◽

Roberto Keim ◽

Guido Parodi

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

High Risk ◽

Retrospective Studies ◽

Right Heart ◽

Clinical Issue ◽

Systemic Thrombolysis ◽

Case Summary ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Complex Scenario

Abstract Background Despite the fast-growing understanding of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), patient management remains largely empirical or based on retrospective studies. In this complex scenario, an important clinical issue appears to be represented by the high prevalence of thromboembolic events, but the data regarding high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) is still not available. Case summary A patient with COVID-19 developed sudden shortness of breath and hypoxia. Early echocardiographic diagnosis of high-risk PE related to right heart thrombus was performed. Systemic thrombolysis was administered with excellent clinical and haemodynamic response. Discussion Pulmonary thromboembolism is a common occurrence in severe COVID-19 infection. In our experience, systemic thrombolysis proved to be effective and for this reason may be considered for life-threatening PE in COVID-19 patients.

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CURRENT VIEW ON ANTICOAGULANT AND THROMBOLYTIC TREATMENT OF ACUTE PULMONARY EMBOLISM

The Russian Archives of Internal Medicine ◽

10.20514/2226-6704-2019-9-5-348-366 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 348-366

Author(s):

G. G. Taradin ◽

G. A. Ignatenko ◽

N. T. Vatutin ◽

I. V. Kanisheva

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Medical Intervention ◽

Bleeding Complications ◽

Current View ◽

Anticoagulant Treatment ◽

Thrombolytic Treatment ◽

Systemic Thrombolysis

The presented review concerns contemporary views on specific aspects of anticoagulant and thrombolytic treatment of venous thromboembolism and mostly of acute pulmonary embolism. Modern classifications of patients with acute pulmonary embolism, based on early mortality risk and severity of thromboembolic event, are reproduced. The importance of multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with pulmonary embolism with the assistance of cardiologist, intensive care specialist, pulmonologist, thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, aimed at the management of pulmonary embolism at all stages: from clinical suspicion to the selection and performing of any medical intervention, is emphasized. Anticoagulant treatment with the demonstration of results of major trials, devoted to efficacy and safety evaluation of anticoagulants, is highlighted in details. Moreover, characteristics, basic dosage and dosage scheme of direct (new) oral anticoagulants, including apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, edoxaban and betrixaban are described in the article. In particular, the management of patients with bleeding complications of anticoagulant treatment and its application in cancer patients, who often have venous thromboembolism, is described. Additionally, modern approaches to systemic thrombolysis with intravenous streptokinase, urokinase and tissue plasminogen activators are presented in this review. The indications, contraindications, results of clinical trials devoted to various regimens of thrombolytic therapy, including treatment of pulmonary embolism by lower doses of fibrinolytic agents, are described.

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Ultrasound-Assisted Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Submassive Pulmonary Embolism

Vascular and Endovascular Surgery ◽

10.1177/1538574418757400 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 52 (3) ◽

pp. 195-201 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Prasoon P. Mohan ◽

John J. Manov ◽

Francisco Contreras ◽

Michael E. Langston ◽

Mehul H. Doshi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Bleeding Risk ◽

Right Heart ◽

Systemic Thrombolysis ◽

Catheter Directed Thrombolysis ◽

Ultrasound Assisted ◽

Vascular Obstruction ◽

The Right ◽

Pulmonary Vascular Obstruction

Purpose: Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is a relatively new therapy for pulmonary embolism that achieves the superior clot resolution compared to systemic thrombolysis while avoiding the high bleeding risk intrinsically associated with that therapy. In order to examine the efficacy and safety of CDT, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing ultrasound-assisted CDT at our institution. Methods: The charts of 30 consecutive patients who underwent CDT as a treatment of pulmonary embolism at our institution were reviewed. Risk factors for bleeding during thrombolysis were noted. Indicators of the right heart strain on computed tomography and echocardiogram, as well as the degree of pulmonary vascular obstruction, were recorded before and after CDT. Thirty-day mortality and occurrence of bleeding events were recorded. Results: Nine (30%) patients had 3 or more minor contraindications to thrombolysis and 14 (47%) had major surgery in the month prior to CDT. Right ventricular systolic pressure and vascular obstruction decreased significantly after CDT. There was a significant decrease in the proportion of patients with right ventricular dilation or hypokinesis. Decrease in pulmonary vascular obstruction was associated with nadir of fibrinogen level. No patients experienced major or moderate bleeding attributed to CDT. Conclusion: Catheter-directed thrombolysis is an effective therapy in rapidly alleviating the right heart strain that is associated with increased mortality and long-term morbidity in patients with pulmonary embolism with minimal bleeding risk. Catheter-directed thrombolysis is a safe alternative to systemic thrombolysis in patients with risk factors for bleeding such as prior surgery. Future studies should examine the safety of CDT in patients with contraindications to systemic thrombolysis.

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P106: Systemic thrombolysis for suspected high-risk pulmonary embolism: a retrospective medical record review

CJEM ◽

10.1017/cem.2018.304 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (S1) ◽

pp. S94-S94

Author(s):

A. Mulla ◽

K. de Wit

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

High Risk ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Treatment Guidelines ◽

Demographic Variable ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Fibrinolytic Therapy ◽

Moderate Risk ◽

Systemic Thrombolysis ◽

History Of

Introduction: Current treatment guidelines advocate for the aggressive management of both high-risk and subsets of moderate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) with fibrinolytic therapy. However, there is limited evidence on the risks and benefits of fibrinolytic therapy in PE, with mortality improvement still to be proven. This study aimed to report the incidence of major bleeding and death after thrombolysis for PE. Methods: A health records review was performed on data from two hospitals between 2007 and 2017. Pharmacy identified all patients who had received either alteplase or tenecteplase. Trained abstractors reviewed each chart to determine the indication for thrombolytic therapy. Patients were included if they received systemic thrombolysis for diagnosed or presumed PE. Data was extracted on 30-day mortality, International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis defined major bleeding within 30 days, premorbid anticoagulant and antiplatelet prescription, age, sex, comorbidities, renal function, history of bleeding, type and dose of thrombolytic and category of PE (high or moderate risk). Results: 1534 patients were identified, of which 72 received systemic thrombolysis for PE. The median age was 57, 34 were male, 17 with a history of venous thrombosis and 12 with cancer. Fifty-four were classified as having high-risk PE, of whom 39 received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when thrombolysis was administered. Formal confirmatory imagining for PE was obtained in only 23/39 patients who were in cardiac arrest. Eighteen patients were classified as moderate-risk PE. The incidence of major bleeding was 28/54 (52%, 95% CI 39-65%), and 3/18 (17%, 95% CI 6-39%) for the high and moderate risk groups respectively. There were 4 intracranial bleeds, all in the high-risk PE group. The only significant predictor of major bleeding was the need for CPR at the point of administration of the thrombolytic agent (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.0-7.5, adjusted for age). Thirty-four patients died within 30 days (47%, 95% CI 36-59%), all in the high-risk PE group. Death was not associated with any demographic variable on univariate analysis. Death occurred in 28/39 (72%, 95%CI 56-83%) patients who received CPR and 6/33 (18%, 95% CI 9-34%) who did not. Conclusion: We found a high incidence of 30-day major bleeding and death following administration of thrombolysis for PE which will help inform future prognostic discussions in our institution.

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Local Thrombolysis in High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism—13 Years Single-Center Experience

Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis ◽

10.1177/1076029620929764 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 ◽

pp. 107602962092976

Author(s):

Liviu Macovei ◽

Razvan Mihai Presura ◽

Robert Magopet ◽

Cristina Prisecariu ◽

Carmen Macovei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

High Risk ◽

Hospital Mortality ◽

Minor Bleeding ◽

Systemic Thrombolysis ◽

Local Thrombolysis ◽

Single Center Experience ◽

Residual Pulmonary Hypertension

To evaluate the prognosis after local thrombolysis compared to systemic thrombolysis in high-risk pulmonary embolism. Observational study during 13 years which included 37 patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism treated with local thrombolysis and 36 patients with systemic thrombolysis (streptokinase, 250 000 UI/30 minutes followed by 100 000 UI/h). Cardiogenic shock has totally remitted in the group with local thrombolysis ( P = .002). The decrease in pressure gradient between right ventricle and right atrium was comparable in both groups in the acute period (the results being influenced by the higher in-hospital mortality after systemic thrombolysis), but significantly better in the next 24 months follow-up after in situ thrombolysis. Major and minor bleeding did not have significant differences. In hospital, mortality was significantly lower in the group with local thrombolysis ( P = .003), but for the next 24 months follow-up, the survival was comparable in both groups. Local thrombolysis, during the hospitalization, was associated with lower mortality rate comparing with systemic thrombolysis. In the next 24 months follow-up, the evolution of residual pulmonary hypertension was significantly better after in situ thrombolysis.

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Pulmonary embolism in old age: usefulness of risk stratification in clinical decision-making

Geriatric Care ◽

10.4081/gc.2016.6080 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Carlo Bova ◽

Vitaliano Spagnuolo ◽

Alfonso Noto

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

High Risk ◽

Clinical Decision Making ◽

Clinical Status ◽

Severity Index ◽

Common Disease ◽

Early Complications ◽

Short Term ◽

Risk Of Death

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common disease with a not negligible short-term risk of death, in particular in the elderly. An adequate evaluation of the prognosis in patients with PE may guide decision-making in terms of the intensity of the initial treatment during the acute phase. Patients with shock or persistent hypotension are at high risk of early mortality and may benefit from immediate reperfusion. Several tools are available to define the short-term prognosis of hemodynamically stable patients. The pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) score, and the simplified PESI score are particularly useful for identifying patients at low risk of early complications who might be safely treated at home. The identification of patients who are hemodynamically stable at diagnosis but are at a high risk of early complications is more challenging. Current guidelines recommend a multi-parametric prognostic algorithm based on the clinical status, biomarkers and imaging tests. However an aggressive treatment in hemodynamically stable patients is still controversial.

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