Health · Medical Research · 3 hrs ago
Thrombectomy linked to lower mortality in intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism
Researchers compared mechanical thrombectomy with anticoagulation for people with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism, a condition in which a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs.
The review combined 12 studies involving 4,268 patients, including 1,878 who underwent thrombectomy, a procedure that removes clots mechanically.
In the main analysis, thrombectomy was associated with lower mortality at 30 days, one year and two years, and a lower risk of chronic blood pressure problems in the lungs.
But in a more focused analysis, 30-day mortality was similar between the treatments, while the lower risk of chronic lung complications remained.
Most of the evidence was observational, so it cannot establish that thrombectomy caused the differences.
Larger randomized trials are needed to confirm the findings and identify which patients may benefit most.
A meta-analysis found mechanical thrombectomy was associated with lower mortality than anticoagulation alone among patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism.
The analysis included 12 studies and 4,268 patients, of whom 1,878 underwent mechanical thrombectomy.
In the primary analysis, thrombectomy was associated with lower mortality at 30 days, one year and two years.
A sensitivity analysis limited to studies exclusively enrolling intermediate-risk patients found similar 30-day mortality between the treatment groups.
The authors said larger randomized trials are needed to confirm the findings and identify which patients may benefit.
- Who
- Researchers examining treatment outcomes in patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism.
- What
- A meta-analysis found mechanical thrombectomy was associated with lower mortality than anticoagulation alone in its primary analysis.
- When
- The research was presented on November 2, 2026, and published at the same time.
- Where
- The research was presented at TCT 2026 and published in the Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions.
- Why
- To compare outcomes associated with mechanical thrombectomy and anticoagulation alone.
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- Studies
- 12
- Patients
- 4,268
- Mechanical thrombectomy
- 1,878 patients, or 44%
- Primary analysis
- Lower 30-day, one-year and two-year mortality associated with thrombectomy
- Sensitivity analysis
- Similar 30-day mortality between treatment groups