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We sought to evaluate the association between the institutional volume of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for pulmonary embolism and in-hospital mortality.CDT is an increasingly utilized therapy in patients with intermediate/high-risk PE. However, data on the relationship between hospital volume and clinical outcomes remain limited.Patients who underwent CDT between October 1, 2015, and March 31, 2021, were identified in the Vizient Clinical Database. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcome were major complications, length of stay, and cost. Hospitals were dichotomized into8 andA total of 6741 CDT procedures at 171 hospitals were included with a median annual hospital volume of 4.1 cases (IQR = 1.9-8.3). A total of 44 hospitals (25.7%) were classified as high-volume (In a large contemporary cohort of patients undergoing CDT in the United States, low annual institutional volume of CDT was associated with higher in-hospital mortality.

The coexistence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and pulmonary embolism (PE), two life-threatening illnesses, in the same patient presents a unique challenge. Guidelines have delineated how best to diagnose and manage patients with PE. However, the unique aspects of COVID-19 confound both the diagnosis and treatment of PE, and therefore require modification of established algorithms. Important considerations include adjustment of diagnostic modalities, incorporation of the prothrombotic contribution of COVID-19, management of two critical cardiorespiratory illnesses in the same patient, and protecting patients and health-care workers while providing optimal care. The benefits of a team-based approach for decision-making and coordination of care, such as that offered by pulmonary embolism response teams (PERTs), have become more evident in this crisis. The importance of careful follow-up care also is underscored for patients with these two diseases with long-term effects. This position paper from the PERT Consortium specifically addresses issues related to the diagnosis and management of PE in patients with COVID-19.

The presence of thoracic aortic aneurysms, particularly in the ascending aorta and arch, presents a challenge to transcatheter aortic valve replacement. We present a case of TAVR in the presence of a chronic ascending aortic aneurysm. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12724 (J Card Surg 2016;31:318-320).

The presence of thoracic aortic aneurysms, particularly in the ascending aorta and arch, presents a challenge to transcatheter aortic valve replacement. We present a case of TAVR in the presence of a chronic ascending aortic aneurysm. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12724 (J Card Surg 2016;31:318-320).

To describe the first single center experience with a novel aspiration thrombectomy device.The appearance of inferior vena cava or right-sided intracardiac thrombus may prompt consideration of percutaneous thrombectomy as a method to prevent new or worsening pulmonary embolism (PE). The AngioVac is a novel thrombectomy device composed of a cannula and extracorporeal circuit with filter for pump-assisted removal of intravascular debris which is coupled with a reinfusion catheter for return of blood to the patient. The device has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration since 2009. This report represents the first significant case series describing its use, feasibility and outcomes in evacuating large caval thrombi or intracardiac masses in PE.This is a retrospective analysis of patient and case characteristics and in-hospital clinical outcomes of AngioVac thrombectomy in 14 consecutive patients treated between April 2010 and July 2013 at our institution.Fourteen consecutive patients (mean age 50, 64% female) underwent 15 AngioVac procedures over 40 months. Indications included intracardiac mass (73%), acute PE (33%), and caval thrombus (73%). Four patients (27%) were in shock at the start of the procedure. Peri-procedure mortality was 0% and in-hospital mortality was 13% at a mean follow-up of 23 days. There were no pulmonary hemorrhages, strokes or myocardial infarctions. Though 73% had a post procedural drop in hematocrit, only two bleeding events were related to access site and required a transfusion.AngioVac thrombectomy is feasible in critically ill patients with acute DVT or PE and large caval thrombi or intracardiac masses.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is common and often unrecognized. Patients with PAD are at high-risk for adverse cardiovascular events. Management of lower extremity PAD has two components: aggressive treatment of cardiovascular risk factors as well as treatment of lower extremity symptoms. In some cases of carotid and renal artery disease, interventional treatment is performed in asymptomatic lesions with hopes of altering the natural disease history and reducing future events.