Surgical Management and Mechanical Circulatory Support in High-Risk Pulmonary Embolisms: Historical Context, Current Status, and Future Directions: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Acute pulmonary embolism is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death, with most pulmonary embolism-related mortality associated with acute right ventricular failure. Although there has recently been increased clinical attention to acute pulmonary embolism with the adoption of multidisciplinary pulmonary embolism response teams, mortality of patients with pulmonary embolism who present with hemodynamic compromise remains high when current guideline-directed therapy is followed. Because historical data and practice patterns affect current consensus treatment recommendations, surgical embolectomy has largely been relegated to patients who have contraindications to other treatments or when other treatment modalities fail. Despite a selection bias toward patients with greater illness, a growing body of literature describes the safety and efficacy of the surgical management of acute pulmonary embolism, especially in the hemodynamically compromised population. The purpose of this document is to describe modern techniques, strategies, and outcomes of surgical embolectomy and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and to suggest strategies to better understand the role of surgery in the management of pulmonary embolisms.

Development and validation of a novel endovascular thrombectomy device to treat deep vein thrombosis: a preclinical study in a swine model.

This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a novel endovascular thrombectomy device in a swine model of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The device has an over-the-wire configuration, a manually expandable catching basket, a funnel sheath with a covered stent to minimize the risk of microembolization, and an integrated delivery system. DVT was induced by occluding the right iliac vein with a balloon catheter and injecting thrombin. The novel device was inserted into the inferior vena cava through the right jugular vein access. The device effectively removed the thrombus, restoring venous patency without residual thrombus, vessel injury, or complications. These findings suggest the potential advantages of the novel device over predicate devices. Further clinical evaluation is needed to establish the efficacy of this device in human patients with DVT.

Long-Term Echocardiographic and Clinical Outcomes After Invasive and Non-Invasive Therapies for Sub-Massive and Massive Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

AIM: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of mortality in the hospital setting. The objective of this study was to outline the long-term outcomes after surgical and non-surgical management for patients with massive and submassive PE. METHODS: Population cohort observational study evaluating all patients who presented to three tertiary hospitals in the state of Western Australia with access to cardiothoracic services over 5 years (2013-2018). Reviewed notes of all patients as well as radiology, linked mortality data and all available echocardiography studies at the primary hospital. RESULTS: In total, 245 patients were identified, of which 41 received surgical management and 204 non-surgical management; demographic data was similar. Clinically, the surgical group had higher rates of shock requiring vasopressors, severe bradycardia, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation prior to intervention. The 28-day mortality was not statistically significantly different between the surgical embolectomy group (2/41 [4.2%]) and the non-surgical group (17/201 [8.3%]) (p=0.382). There was no difference in 12-month mortality, including when this was adjusted for vasopressors, right ventricular (RV) strain, troponin, and brain natriuretic peptide. In the massive PE sub-group, 28-day mortality was not significantly different: 2/29 (6.9%) surgical group vs 7/34 (20.2%) non-surgical group (p=0.064). Higher rates of severe RV impairment and dilatation were present in the surgical group. All patients with available echocardiography studies at outpatient follow-up returned to normal or mild RV impairment. CONCLUSION: Patients who presented with massive or submassive PE had similar outcomes whether treated with surgical or non-surgical management. Surgical embolectomy is a safe option in a cardiothoracic centre setting.

Comparison of interventions for intermediate to high-risk pulmonary embolism: A network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple interventions, including catheter-directed therapy (CDT), systemic thrombolysis (ST), surgical embolectomy (SE), and therapeutic anticoagulation (AC) have been used to treat intermediate to high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE), but the most effective and safest treatment remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety outcomes of each intervention. METHODS: We queried PubMed and EMBASE in January 2023 and performed a network meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCT), including high or intermediate-risk PE patients, and comparing AC, CDT, SE, and ST. The primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and major bleeding. The secondary outcomes included long-term mortality (≥6 months), recurrent PE, minor bleeding, and intracranial hemorrhage. RESULTS: We identified 11 RCTs and 42 observational studies involving 157,454 patients. CDT was associated with lower in-hospital mortality than ST (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.41 [0.31-0.55]), AC (OR [95% CI]: 0.33 [0.20-0.53]), and SE (OR [95% CI]: 0.61 [0.39-0.96]). Recurrent PE in CDT was lower than ST (OR [95% CI]: 0.66 [0.50-0.87]), AC (OR [95% CI]: 0.36 [0.20-0.66]), and trended lower than SE (OR [95% CI]: 0.71 [0.40-1.26]). Notably, ST had higher major bleeding risks than CDT (OR [95% CI]: 1.51 [1.19-1.91]) and AC (OR [95% CI]: 2.21 [1.53-3.19]). By rankogram analysis, CDT presented the highest p-score in in-hospital mortality, long-term mortality, and recurrent PE. CONCLUSION: In this network meta-analysis of observational studies and RCTs involving patients with intermediate to high-risk PE, CDT was associated with improved mortality outcomes compared to other therapies, without significant additional bleeding risk.

Intraoperative circulatory arrest secondary to high-risk pulmonary embolism. Case series and updated literature review.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative pulmonary embolism (PE) with cardiac arrest (CA) represents a critical and potentially fatal condition. Available treatments include systemic thrombolysis, catheter-based thrombus fragmentation or aspiration, and surgical embolectomy. However, limited studies are focused on the optimal treatment choice for this critical condition. We present a case series and an updated review of the management of intraoperative CA secondary to PE. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who developed high-risk intraoperative PE was performed between June 2012 and June 2022. For the updated review, a literature search on PubMed and Scopus was conducted which resulted in the inclusion of a total of 46 articles. RESULTS: A total of 196 174 major non-cardiac surgeries were performed between 2012 and 2022. Eight cases of intraoperative CA secondary to high-risk PE were identified. We found a mortality rate of 75%. Anticoagulation therapy was administered to one patient (12.5%), while two patients (25%) underwent thrombolysis, and one case (12.5%) underwent mechanical thrombectomy combined with thrombus aspiration. Based on the literature review and our 10-year experience, we propose an algorithm for the management of intraoperative CA caused by PE. CONCLUSION: The essential components for adequate management of intraoperative PE with CA include hemodynamic support, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the implementation of a primary perfusion intervention. The prompt identification of the criteria for each specific treatment modality, guided by the individual patient's characteristics, is necessary for an optimal approach.

Clinical characteristics and treatment of patients with central pulmonary embolism and right heart thrombus.

INTRODUCTION: Right heart thrombus (RHT), also known as clot in transit, is an uncommon finding in pulmonary embolism (PE) that is associated with increased inpatient mortality. To date, there is no consensus on the management of RHT. Therefore, we aim to describe the clinical features, treatments, and outcomes of patients with simultaneous RHT and PE. METHODS: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, and single-center study of hospitalized patients with central PE who had RHT visualized on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) from January 2012 to May 2022. We use descriptive statistics to describe their clinical features, treatments, and outcomes, including mechanical ventilation, major bleeding, inpatient mortality, length of hospital stay, and recurrent PE on follow-up. RESULTS: Of 433 patients with central PE who underwent TTE, nine patients (2%) had RHT. The median age was 63 years (range 29-87), most were African American (6/9), and females (5/9). All patients had evidence of RV dysfunction and received therapeutic anticoagulation. Eight patients received RHT-directed interventions, including systemic thrombolysis (2/9), catheter-directed suction embolectomy (4/9), and surgical embolectomy (2/9). Regarding outcomes, 4/9 patients were hemodynamically unstable, 8/9 were hypoxemic, and 2/9 were mechanically ventilated. The median length of hospital stay was six days (range 1-16). One patient died during hospital admission, and two patients had recurrent PE. CONCLUSION: We described the different therapeutic approaches and outcomes of patients with RHT treated in our institution. Our study adds valuable information to the literature, as there is no consensus on the treatment of RHT. HIGHLIGHTS: Right heart thrombus (RHT) was a rare finding in central pulmonary embolism. Most patients with RHT had evidence of RV dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Most patients received RHT-directed therapies in addition to therapeutic anticoagulation.

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation With or Without Advanced Intervention for Massive Pulmonary Embolism.

INTRODUCTION: Massive pulmonary embolism (MPE) is a rare but highly fatal condition. Our study's objective was to evaluate the association between advanced interventions and survival among patients with MPE treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). METHODS: This is a retrospective review of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry data. We included adult patients with MPE who were treated with VA-ECMO during 2010-2020. Our Primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge; secondary outcomes were ECMO duration among survivors and rates of ECMO-related complications. Clinical variables were compared using the Pearson chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis H tests. RESULTS: We included 802 patients; 80 (10%) received SPE and 18 (2%) received CDT. Overall, 426 (53%) survived to discharge; survival was not significantly different among those treated with SPE or CDT on VA-ECMO (70%) versus VA-ECMO alone (52%) or SPE or CDT before VA-ECMO (52%). Multivariable regression found a trend towards increased survival among those treated with SPE or CDT while on ECMO (AOR 1.8, 95% CI 0.9-3.6), but no significant correlation. There was no association between advanced interventions and ECMO duration among survivors, or rates of ECMO-related complications. CONCLUSION: Our study found no difference in survival in patients with MPE who received advanced interventions prior to ECMO, and a slight non-significant benefit in those who received advanced interventions while on ECMO.

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for "protected" catheter-based embolectomy in high-risk/massive pulmonary embolism.

High-risk/massive pulmonary embolism (PE) has a high mortality rate, especially when cardiac arrest occurs. Venoarterial (V-A) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can rapidly restore and maintain circulation while a decision regarding further care or performance of other interventions takes place. Catheter-based embolectomy (CBE) is a technology that allows for percutaneous access, clot removal, and potential resolution of shock while avoiding sternotomy required for traditional pulmonary embolectomy. Rapid placement of V-A ECMO in patients with high-risk/massive PE prior to CBE may confer circulatory protection before, during, and after the procedure.

Microcatheter-Directed Thrombolysis Using Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator for the Treatment of Acute Superior Mesenteric Artery Embolism: A Case Report.

Background: Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening condition, and in 50% of patients, AMI is caused by acute superior mesenteric artery (SMA) embolism. Endovascular treatment is increasingly being considered the primary modality in selected cases. Many studies have reported that percutaneous aspiration embolectomy using a guiding catheter and thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) are effective in treating SMA embolism. However, no reports on treating SMA embolism using rtPA administered via a microcatheter exist. Case presentation: A 64-year-old man with underlying atrial fibrillation presented with acute SMA embolism revealed using computed tomography (CT). rtPA (total 3 mg) was carefully administered into the occluded SMA through a microcatheter. No complications occurred, and complete revascularization of the SMA was revealed on follow-up CT. Conclusions: Compared with previous reports, this case report reveals that successful revascularization can be achieved using rtPA administered via a microcatheter, with a low dose of rtPA and a short duration of thrombolysis.

Perioperative Neurological Evaluation and Management to Lower the Risk of Acute Stroke in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac, Nonneurological Surgery: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Perioperative stroke is a potentially devastating complication in patients undergoing noncardiac, nonneurological surgery. This scientific statement summarizes established risk factors for perioperative stroke, preoperative and intraoperative strategies to mitigate the risk of stroke, suggestions for postoperative assessments, and treatment approaches for minimizing permanent neurological dysfunction in patients who experience a perioperative stroke. The first section focuses on preoperative optimization, including the role of preoperative carotid revascularization in patients with high-grade carotid stenosis and delaying surgery in patients with recent strokes. The second section reviews intraoperative strategies to reduce the risk of stroke, focusing on blood pressure control, perioperative goal-directed therapy, blood transfusion, and anesthetic technique. Finally, this statement presents strategies for the evaluation and treatment of patients with suspected postoperative strokes and, in particular, highlights the value of rapid recognition of strokes and the early use of intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical embolectomy in appropriate patients.

Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis versus Pulmonary Artery Embolectomy in Pulmonary Embolism: A National Population-Based Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the short-term and long-term follow-up outcomes of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) with those of pulmonary artery embolectomy (PAE) for patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) included in a nationwide cohort. BACKGROUND: Data allowing direct comparisons between CDT and PAE are lacking in the literature, and the optimal management of high-risk and intermediate-risk PE is still debated. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with data for 2001 through 2013 collected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Patients who were first admitted for PE and treated with either CDT or PAE were included and compared. In-hospital outcomes included in-hospital death and safety (bleeding and cardiac arrhythmias) outcomes. Follow-up outcomes included all-cause mortality and recurrent PE during the 1- and 2-year follow-up periods and through the last follow-up. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based on the propensity score was used to minimize possible selection bias, including indices for multimorbidity such as the Charlson's Comorbidity Index (CCI) and HAS-BLED scores. RESULTS: A total of 389 patients treated between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2013, were identified; 169 underwent CDT and 220 underwent PAE. After IPTW, there were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality (18.2% vs 21.3%; odds ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70-1.62) or the incidence of safety outcomes between the CDT and PAE groups. The risks of all-cause mortality (30% vs 29.5%; hazard ratio 1.16, 95% CI: 0.89-1.53), recurrent PE (7.2% vs 8.7%; subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 0.68, 95% CI: 0.39-1.21) and new-onset pulmonary hypertension (SHR 0.25, 95% CI: 0.05-1.32) were also not significantly different between the CDT and PAE groups at 2 years of follow-up. Subgroup analysis indicated that PAE may be associated with a more favorable 2-year mortality in patients <65 years old, patients with CCI scores of <3, patients with HAS-BLED scores of 1 to 2, and patients without cardiogenic shock (all P for interaction <.05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PE who required reperfusion therapy, CDT and PAE resulted in similar in-hospital and long-term all-cause mortality rates and long-term rates of recurrent PE. Bleeding risks were also comparable in the 2 groups.

Clinical outcomes of surgical embolectomy versus catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute limb ischemia: a nationwide cohort study.

In Taiwan, the outcomes of acute limb ischemia have yet to be investigated in a standardized manner. In this study, we compared the safety, feasibility and outcomes of acute limb ischemia after surgical embolectomy or catheter-directed therapy in Taiwan. This study used data collected from the Taiwan's National Health Insurance Database (NHID) and Cause of Death Data between the years 2000 and 2015. The rate ratio of all-cause in-hospital mortality and risk of amputation during the same period of hospital stay were estimated using Generalized linear models (GLM). There was no significant difference in mortality risk between CDT and surgical intervention (9.5% vs. 10.68%, adjusted rate ratio (95% CI): regression 1.0 [0.79-1.27], PS matching 0.92 [0.69-1.23]). The risk of amputation was also comparable between the two groups. (13.59% vs. 14.81%, adjusted rate ratio (95% CI): regression 0.84 [0.68-1.02], PS matching 0.92 [0.72-1.17]). Age (p < 0.001) and liver disease (p = 0.01) were associated with higher mortality risks. Heart failure (p = 0.03) and chronic or end-stage renal disease (p = 0.03) were associated with higher amputation risks. Prior antithrombotic agent use (p = 0.03) was associated with a reduced risk of amputation. Both surgical intervention and CDT are effective and feasible procedures for patients with ALI in Taiwan.

Successful Treatment of Saddle Pulmonary Thromboembolism in 23-Week Preterm Infant.

Saddle pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is defined as a thromboembolism straddling the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery trunk and it is rarely seen in extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI). Saddle PTE is a critical disease that requires urgent treatment. However, the treatment guidelines for ELBWI are not established. We present the case of a 1-day-old preterm infant (gestational age 23 weeks) who showed sudden desaturation and pulmonary hypertension due to saddle PTE. A thrombus was observed in the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery. The blood flow to the pulmonary artery on the left side was interrupted, and the right side showed severe stenosis. Since the patient was an ELBWI in the acute phase, we decided to use recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) and administered a maintenance dose (0.08 mg/kg/hour), instead of the loading dose. After using rt-PA, the thrombus dissolved in 8 hours without adverse events. This case suggests that starting with a maintenance dose of rt-PA may be an effective treatment option for saddle PTE in ELBWI in the acute phase under the high risk of bleeding.

[Thrombus in all four heart chambers in a 67-year-old female patient with pulmonary artery embolism and open foramen ovale]. / Thrombus in allen vier Herzkammern bei einer 67-jährigen Patientin mit Lungenarterienembolie und offenem Foramen ovale.

A 67-year-old woman presented to the emergency department due to acute dyspnea. Computed tomography of the chest showed a pronounced bilateral pulmonary artery embolism. Echocardiography demonstrated a large floating thrombus in the right atrium and right ventricle, which extended through a persistent foramen ovale via the left atrium into the left ventricle. A thrombectomy was later successfully performed.

Acute Mesenteric Ischemia.

The surgical treatment of occlusive acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) without revascularization is associated with an 80% overall mortality. Early diagnosis is crucial, and revascularization may reduce overall mortality in AMI by up to 50%. A diagnosis of AMI requires a high index of clinical suspicion and the collaborative effort of emergency department physicians, general and vascular surgeons, and radiologists. This article provides an overview of the etiology, physiology, evaluation, and management of acute mesenteric ischemia.

Catheter directed embolectomy of right atrial clot in transit-A case series.

In the previous literature, the prevalence of right atrial (RA) clot-in-transit associated with pulmonary embolism is around 4-18% with an associated mortality of 80-100% in untreated cases. Surgical thrombo-embolectomy has been the mainstay of treatment for stable patients but the data for percutaneous thrombo-embolectomy is lacking in the literature. We present a series of three cases of right atrium clot-in-transit treated with catheter-based therapies with Inari FlowTriever® (Inari Medical, Irvine, CA). Our three patients had different clinical profiles and presentations of right atrial clot-in-transit. All of the subjects had contraindications to surgical thrombo-embolectomy and thrombolytic therapy. Catheter based embolectomy using Inari FlowTriever® was successfully performed in all the patients. As the data on this intervention is sparse, our case series highlights successful catheter based thrombo-embolectomies in high-risk individuals with right atrial clot in-transit with or without pulmonary embolism.

Intravascular ultrasound-guided pulmonary artery embolectomy for saddle pulmonary embolism.

A percutaneous catheter-directed treatment approach is preferred among patients with acute submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), who are at significant risk of bleeding with thrombolytics. Limiting contrast volume in these patients could reduce morbidity and mortality associated with contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). We present the case of a 61-year-old African American woman (BMI 46.9 kg/m2 ) with multiple comorbidities, including a PE 3 years prior (not currently on anticoagulation) and CKD (GFR 33 ml/min/1.73/m2 ), presented to the emergency department with 3 weeks of dyspnea on exertion which worsened 3-5 days preceding her presentation. On examination, she was hemodynamically stable, oxygen saturation was 88% on 5 l, in mild respiratory distress with bilateral lower extremity pitting edema. Troponin was 0.06 ng/ml (ref. <0.04), B-type natriuretic peptide was 932 pg/ml (ref. ≤78), arterial oxygen partial pressure was 56 (ref. 80-110) and hemoglobin was 10.1 g/dl (ref. 11.3-15.0). Computed tomography pulmonary angiography performed with IV contrast showed a saddle embolus with evidence of right heart strain (RV/LV ratio: 2.05). A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a dilated RV and mean pulmonary artery pressure was 53 mmHg on right heart catheterization. She underwent a successful catheter-directed pulmonary embolectomy with the aid of an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) along with fluoroscopy. To prevent CI-AKI, intravenous contrast was not used for the procedure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an "IVUS-only" approach in a patient with acute submassive PE and CKD.

Expanding the stroke team to include interventional cardiology.

Team-based care has been emphasized as a strategy to improve and optimize outcomes for broad groups of patients who have presented with often complex medical conditions including large vessel cerebral occlusion. Although neurointerventionalists from different specialties perform mechanical embolectomy, which has become the standard of care for large vessel cerebral occlusion, these specialties are limited by relatively low numbers typically concentrated in a small number of sites. In this single center experience, approximately 50 patients with large vessel stroke were transferred out of an emergency room to other centers despite the availability of an experienced cardiologist with extensive carotid experience. Such transfer strategies typically result in delays in receiving reperfusion and, therefore, may decrease the success rates and substantial improvement that can be obtained by patients in this setting. Trained interventional cardiologists in centers with limited 24/7/365 coverage could achieve rapid revascularization and reperfusion saving lives. In order to accommodate the need for treating these patients, carotid stent trained cardiologists should enter the arena, learn mechanical embolectomy, and be supported by their colleagues from other disciplines on acute stroke care teams.

A case report of acute Leriche syndrome: aortoiliac occlusive disease due to embolization from left ventricular thrombus caused by myocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Leriche syndrome is the triad of symptoms consisting of claudication, erectile dysfunction, and absence of femoral pulses. Inflammatory disease of the heart muscle, myocarditis, may occur because of immune system activation, drug exposure or infections. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old man with no previous medical history presented to the emergency department with acute back pain that had started suddenly during weightlifting, which was initially misdiagnosed as spinal disc herniation. The patient returned four hours later and a thoracoabdominal computed tomography showed a large thrombus in the aortoiliac region creating a total occlusion. Vascular surgery with embolectomy was immediately performed. Further investigation with echocardiography revealed deteriorated systolic dysfunction with marked hypokinesia and two large thrombi in the left ventricle. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed late contrast enhancement of the inferolateral and septal regions, which indicated a recent myocarditis. CONCLUSION: Myocarditis can result in multiple embolization with diverse organ manifestation including total occlusion of the aortoiliac arteries, which required urgent embolectomy.

Massive pulmonary embolism in a patient with nephrotic syndrome and single lung.

We present a novel case of a patient with nephrotic syndrome and previous left pneumonectomy who had a massive pulmonary embolism of his remnant right pulmonary artery. He underwent surgical embolectomy and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Early embolectomy using retrograde pulmonary perfusion and post-operative ECMO helped the patient survive this catastrophic event.