Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 24, 2025

Prehospital Thrombolysis: A Manual from Berlin
Published on: November 26, 2013
In-Hospital Mortality and Related Outcomes for Elevated Risk Acute Pulmonary Embolism Treated With Mechanical
Jennifer R Buckley1,2, Brandt C Wible1,2
124091Saint Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA.
Purpose:
To compare in-hospital mortality and other hospitalization related outcomes of elevated risk patients (Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index [PESI] score of 4 or 5, and, European Society of Cardiology [ESC] classification of intermediate-high or high risk) with acute central pulmonary embolism (PE) treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) using the Inari FlowTriever device versus those treated with routine care (RC).
Materials And Methods:
Retrospective data was collected of all patients with acute, central PE treated at a single institution over 2 concurrent 18-month periods. All collected patients were risk stratified using the PESI and ESC Guidelines. The comparison was made between patients with acute PE with PESI scores of 4 or 5, and, ESC classification of intermediate-high or high risk based on treatment type: MT and RC. The primary endpoint evaluated was in-hospital mortality. Secondary endpoints included intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, total hospital length of stay, and 30-day readmission.
Results:
Fifty-eight patients met inclusion criteria, 28 in the MT group and 30 in the RC group. Most RC patients were treated with systemic anticoagulation alone (24 of 30). In-hospital mortality was significantly lower for the MT group than for the RC group (3.6% vs 23.3%, P < .05), as was the average ICU length of stay (2.1 ± 1.2 vs 6.1 ± 8.6 days, P < .05). Total hospital length of stay and 30-day readmission rates were similar between MT and RC groups.
Conclusion:
Initial retrospective comparison suggests MT can improve in-hospital mortality and decrease ICU length of stay for patients with acute, central PE of elevated risk (PESI 4 or 5, and, ESC intermediate-high or high risk).
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

