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This article, published in the Arab Journal of Interventional Radiology, presents the interim results of the STRIKE-PE study, which evaluates the safety, performance, and long-term impact on quality of life (QOL) of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) treated with Computer Assisted Vacuum Thrombectomy (CAVT) using the Indigo Aspiration System. The study included 150 patients from the US and Europe, with a mean age of 61.3 years. The results showed a significant decrease in the right ventricle/left ventricle (RV/LV) ratio after the procedure, indicating improved outcomes. Additionally, patients reported improved QOL at the 90-day follow-up. The study concludes that CAVT is an effective treatment option for PE that can improve patients' QOL. [Extracted from the article]

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The management paradigm for acute PE has evolved in recent years with wider availability of advanced treatment modalities ranging from catheter-directed reperfusion therapies to mechanical circulatory support. This evolution has coincided with the development and implementation of institutional pulmonary embolism response teams (PERT) nationwide and internationally. Because most institutions are not equipped or staffed for advanced PE care, patients often require transfer to centers with more comprehensive resources, including PERT expertise. One of the unmet needs in current PE care is an organized approach to the process of interhospital transfer (IHT) of critically ill PE patients. In this review, we discuss medical optimization and support of patients before and during transfer, transfer checklists, defined roles of emergency medical services, and the roles and responsibilities of referring and receiving centers involved in the IHT of acute PE patients., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The incidence and outcomes of patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) are well defined for general cardiac surgical populations. The purpose of this study was to define the outcomes of patients with HIT in a population excluding patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)., Methods: The local Society of Thoracic Surgeons cardiac surgical database was queried between January 2008 and May 2017 for patients who underwent either open valvular surgery or aortic surgery. Patients who underwent either isolated or combined CABG procedures were excluded. Cohorts were formed based on the presence or absence of postoperative HIT. Logistic regression models were built to determine the association between postoperative HIT and outcomes, adjusted for both preoperative and intraoperative variables., Results: Of the total cohort (8,107 patients), 176 patients (2.2%) developed HIT after surgery. HIT patients experienced an increased incidence of morbidities postoperatively, including reoperation for bleeding, reoperation for cardiac and noncardiac etiologies, postoperative stroke, perioperative myocardial infarction, postoperative sternal infection, postoperative arrhythmia, new-onset renal failure, and dialysis (all with P < 0.01). The unadjusted 30-day mortality was 14.8% in HIT patients vs 4.9% in those without HIT ( P < 0.01). After risk adjustment, reoperation for noncardiac events, renal failure, new dialysis, postoperative stroke, arrhythmia, and sternal wound infection remained significantly elevated in patients who developed postoperative HIT., Conclusions: Patients who developed HIT after non-CABG cardiac surgery experienced increased postoperative rates of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment remained mainstays of therapy. Early identification of patients at highest risk should prompt careful risk stratification when possible.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. There have been many advances in the field of PE in the last few years, requiring a careful assessment of their impact on patient care. However, variations in recommendations by different clinical guidelines, as well as lack of robust clinical trials, make clinical decisions challenging. The Pulmonary Embolism Response Team Consortium is an international association created to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of patients with PE. In this consensus practice document, we provide a comprehensive review of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of acute PE, including both clinical data and consensus opinion to provide guidance for clinicians caring for these patients.