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Updated: May 26, 2026
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Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
Published on: August 26, 2025
Endovascular therapy for acute pulmonary embolism
1Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Dr., H-3651, Stanford, CA 94305-5642, USA. wkuo@stanford.edu
Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology : JVIR
|December 24, 2011
Summary
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a leading cause of hospital death. Catheter-directed therapy offers a promising treatment option for massive and submassive PE, improving patient outcomes beyond standard anticoagulation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Interventional Pulmonology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of mortality in hospitalized patients.
- Escalation of treatment beyond anticoagulation is often required for massive PE (with shock) and submassive PE (with right ventricular strain).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence and approach for endovascular therapy in acute pulmonary embolism.
- To discuss the role of catheter-directed therapy in managing massive and submassive PE.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical evidence regarding endovascular treatments for acute PE.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria, risk stratification, and management strategies for massive and submassive PE.
Main Results:
- Modern catheter-directed therapy for rapid clot debulking is recommended as a primary treatment for acute massive PE.
- Catheter-directed thrombolytic infusion shows potential as adjunctive therapy for acute submassive PE.
Conclusions:
- Endovascular approaches, including catheter-directed therapy, are increasingly important in managing acute PE.
- These therapies offer alternatives for patients with massive and submassive PE who require treatment escalation.
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