Techniques in vascular and interventional radiology
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Tech Vasc Interv Radiol · Jun 2018
ReviewCatheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Pulmonary Embolism: The State of Practice.
Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major public health problem. It is the third most common cause of death in hospitalized patients. In the United States, there are up to 600,000 cases diagnosed per year with 100,000-180,000 acute PE-related deaths. ⋯ Massive, submassive, and low-risk acute PE have mortality rates of 25%-65%, 3%, and <1%, respectively. Current PE management includes the use of anticoagulation alone, systemic thrombolysis, catheter-directed thrombolysis, and surgical embolectomy. This article will describe the current state of practice for catheter-directed thrombolysis and its role in the management of acute PE.