The Committee noted that ultrasound‑enhanced, catheter‑directed thrombolysis has the potential to reduce the dose of thrombolytic agent and the duration of thrombolysis compared with catheter‑directed thrombolysis alone, and this supported the recommendation for comparative research.
In considering the risks and benefits of this procedure, the Committee noted that patients with major pulmonary embolism may die without thrombolytic treatment. It also noted the substantial risks of systemic thrombolysis. The Committee noted that NICE's guideline on venous thromboembolic diseases recommends that systemic thrombolytic therapy for pulmonary embolism should be considered for patients who have haemodynamic instability but should not be offered to patients who are haemodynamically stable.