Mechanical and enzymatic thrombolysis of acute pulmonary embolus: Review of the literature and cases from our institution

Jessica K. Rosenblum, Jacob Cynamon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Patients with massive PE have a high mortality rate, with two of every three deaths occurring in the first hour. The mainstay of treatment for PE is anticoagulation. However, when the patient is in extremis, intravenous lysis of the clot is indicated. Recently, mechanical fragmentation with or without pharmacologic thrombolysis has been shown to have a role in therapy for patients with massive PE, as well as in those patients who have a contraindication to anticoagulation. We discuss our experience with mechanical fragmentation in the treatment of PE and review the literature.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)213-218
Number of pages6
JournalVascular
Volume16
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2008

Keywords

  • Catheter-directed thrombolysis
  • Interventional radiology
  • Mechanical fragmentation
  • Pulmonary embolism

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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