Published in:
Open Access
01-07-2019 | Ultrasound | Clinical Investigation
Local Ultrasound-Facilitated Thrombolysis in High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: First Dutch Experience
Authors:
Maria A. de Winter, Einar A. Hart, Daniel A. F. van den Heuvel, Adriaan Moelker, Rutger J. Lely, Karin A. H. Kaasjager, Pieter R. Stella, Steven A. J. Chamuleau, Adriaan O. Kraaijeveld, Mathilde Nijkeuter
Published in:
CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology
|
Issue 7/2019
Login to get access
Abstract
Purpose
To provide insight into the current use and results of ultrasound-facilitated catheter-directed thrombolysis (USAT) in patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE).
Introduction
Systemic thrombolysis is an effective treatment for hemodynamically unstable, high-risk PE, but is associated with bleeding complications. USAT is thought to reduce bleeding and is therefore advocated in patients with high-risk PE and contraindications for systemic thrombolysis.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent USAT for high-risk PE in the Netherlands from 2010 to 2017. Characteristics and outcomes were analyzed. Primary outcomes were major (including intracranial and fatal) bleeding and all-cause mortality after 1 month. Secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality and recurrent venous thromboembolism within 3 months.
Results
33 patients underwent USAT for high-risk PE. Major bleeding occurred in 12 patients (36%, 95% CI 22–53), including 1 intracranial and 3 fatal bleeding. All-cause mortality after 1 month was 48% (16/33, 95% CI 31–66). All-cause mortality after 3 months was 50% (16/32, 95% CI 34–66), recurrent venous thromboembolism occurred in 1 patient (1/32, 3%, 95% CI 1–16).
Conclusions
This study was the first to describe characteristics and outcomes after USAT in a study population of patients with high-risk PE only, an understudied population. Although USAT is considered a relatively safe treatment option, our results illustrate that at least caution is needed in critically ill patients with high-risk PE. Further research in patients with high-risk PE is warranted to guide patient selection.