Massive pulmonary embolism: Preliminary results of treatment with the Amplatz thrombectomy device

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of using the Amplatz thrombectomy device (ATD) to treat massive pulmonary embolism (PE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five patients (four men, one woman; mean age, 45.2 years) with massive PE underwent mechanical thrombectomy with the ATD, which creates a vortex that pulverizes and recirculates the clots within the pulmonary circulation. The patients were followed up for 7-18 months after thrombectomy. RESULTS: Marked improvement in pulmonary perfusion was observed in one patient and moderate improvement was observed in three patients at angiography and ventilation-perfusion scanning. No changes could be assessed in one patient who died shortly after the procedure. One patient developed hemoptysis during the procedure, most likely because of a reperfusion syndrome. A reduction in pulmonary artery pressure was observed in only one patient; the remaining patients had increased pressure. The four surviving patients were discharged within 8 days. CONCLUSION: Mechanical thrombectomy with the ATD provides rapid debulking of thrombus in some patients with massive PE and has the potential to improve treatment and outcomes of the most sick patients.