Updates on Advanced Therapies for Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Bikdeli, Bavand
Bikdeli, Behnood

International Journal of Cardiovascular Practice
Vol 1, No 3 (2016)

Venous thromboembolism is the third common vascular disease after acute myocardial infarction and stroke, and acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains as the most common preventable cause of in-hospital mortality. In addition to routine anticoagulant therapy, several advanced treatment options have been introduced over the past three decades. We provide a succinct and contemporary summary of the evidence base and important indications for inferior vena caval filter placement, systemic and catheter-based thrombolytic therapy, as well as percutaneous and surgical thrombectomy. Appropriate case selection for advance therapies for PE could minimize the adverse effects and costs, while optimizing the outcomes.