Continuous Aspiration Mechanical Thrombectomy for the management of intermediate- and high-risk pulmonary embolism: Data from the first cohort in Portugal

Introduction: This study describes the experience of a reference center using continuous aspiration mechanical thrombectomy for acute high- and intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods: Twenty-nine consecutive patients with acute central PE (48.3% high-risk PE; 82.8% in class >III from the original Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index score; median Charlson Comorbidity Index of 4) were treated with the Indigo® Mechanical Thrombectomy System between March 2018 and March 2020. Technical success was defined as successful placement of the device and initiation of aspiration thrombectomy. Clinical success was defined as any improvement in hemodynamic and/or oxygenation parameters, pulmonary hypertension or right heart strain at 48 hours, and survival to hospital discharge. Safety was defined as freedom from severe adverse events potentially related to the procedure. Three-month follow-up results were collected. Results: Technical success was 96.6%. Miller index and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure were significantly reduced after the procedure (-5.5±3.0, and -10.2±11.5 mmHg, respectively, both pIII do score PESI; mediana 4 do índice de comorbilidades de Charlson) com o sistema de trombectomia mecânica Indigo entre março/2018 e março/2020. Definiu-se sucesso técnico como colocação bem-sucedida do dispositivo e início da trombectomia. Definiu-se sucesso clínico como melhoria hemodinâmica, da oxigenação, hipertensão pulmonar e/ou da sobrecarga cardíaca direita às 48 horas; e sobrevivência hospitalar. Definiu-se segurança como ausência de eventos adversos graves relacionados com o procedimento. Registou-se seguimento clínico a três meses. Resultados: O sucesso técnico foi 96,6%. O índice de Miller e a pressão arterial pulmonar sistólica reduziram-se significativamente (-5,5±3,0 e -10,2±11,5 mmHg, respetivamente, p