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    Interventional procedure overview of percutaneous thrombectomy for massive pulmonary embolism

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    What the procedure involves

    In this endovascular procedure, a catheter is inserted percutaneously into the peripheral vasculature (usually via a common femoral vein) and advanced through the right side of the heart into the pulmonary arteries under image guidance. This procedure is usually performed by interventional radiologists and interventional cardiologists. It is usually done using local anaesthesia with or without sedation.

    There are several thrombectomy devices available with some variation in their mechanism. The thrombus may either be fragmented before removal or not. There are several methods by which the thrombus can be removed: vacuum suction, aspiration with a syringe, mechanical removal with a clot removal device or a combination of methods. It is a minimally invasive procedure which may be used alone or in combination with other treatment options for PE.

    The aim of the procedure is to rapidly remove the obstruction and restore pulmonary circulation, reducing right ventricular strain, whilst avoiding the bleeding risks associated with thrombolysis.