Catheter Directed Thrombolytics: Best Therapy for Pulmonary Emboli?

Abstract

Pulmonary emboli are blood clots in the pulmonary arterial vasculature that can lead to right ventricular strain, obstructive shock, and even death. Current treatment options for pulmonary emboli include anticoagulants, systemic thrombolytics, and/or surgical embolectomy. Although these therapies are usually effective, they are associated with side effects such as increased risk of bleeding, surgical site infections, and intracranial hemorrhages. Additionally, there are contraindications to these treatments that limit which patients are eligible. In the past 10 years, the use of catheter directed thrombolytics has emerged and appears to be a promising alternative to traditional therapies. This therapy has been shown to have similar efficacy to anticoagulation or systemic thrombolytics with a much lower risk of severe complications.