SCAI 2026 Workshop on the Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism-Panel Discussion 4

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The discussion focused on pulmonary embolism management, especially ECMO and thrombectomy. Speakers favored early intervention after ECMO placement, often within 24 hours, because clot becomes harder to remove over time and prolonged ECMO increases complications. They debated thrombectomy versus catheter-directed thrombolysis, with most favoring an individualized, anatomy-based approach rather than combining therapies routinely. Timing of intervention was also discussed: unstable patients should be treated quickly, while some can safely wait until the next morning if closely monitored. For stopping a procedure, operators look for improved hemodynamics, lower heart rate, better PA pressures, improved angiographic blush, and patient-reported relief. The group called for better thrombectomy devices with improved deliverability, maneuverability, and safety, and emphasized that building a PE program requires multidisciplinary coordination, protocols, and PERT support as much as technical skill.

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closed captions are computer-generated

Keywords

pulmonary embolism

ECMO

thrombectomy

catheter-directed thrombolysis

PERT program