Hybrid Treatment of Acute Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism: Mechanical Fragmentation with a Modified Rotating Pigtail Catheter, Local Fibrinolytic Therapy, and Clot Aspiration Followed by Systemic Fibrinolytic Therapy

Abstract

Hybrid treatment with mechanical fragmentation using a rotating pigtail catheter combined with local fibrinolysis and manual clot aspiration resulted in a rapid and safe improvement in the hemodynamic condition of patients with acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism. This hybrid treatment appears to be especially useful in patients at high risk for right ventricular failure and is a minimally invasive alternative to surgical embolectomy.