Catheter-based techniques for pulmonary embolism treatment

EuroIntervention. 2025 May 5;21(9):e450-e462. doi: 10.4244/EIJ-D-24-00535.

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition characterised by occlusion of the pulmonary vasculature, with a global incidence of approximately 1 in 1,000 patients. While pharmacological therapy remains the cornerstone of PE management, selected patients may benefit from catheter-directed treatments due to their potential for rapid symptom relief and swift haemodynamic stabilisation. Catheter-directed thrombolysis and catheter-directed mechanical thrombectomy are current treatment options, though their availability is still limited. This review provides a practical outlook on catheter-directed therapies for PE, outlining optimal procedural planning, device selection, technical execution, evaluation of results, and management of complications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fibrinolytic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / therapy
  • Thrombectomy* / adverse effects
  • Thrombectomy* / instrumentation
  • Thrombectomy* / methods
  • Thrombolytic Therapy* / adverse effects
  • Thrombolytic Therapy* / instrumentation
  • Thrombolytic Therapy* / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents