Continuous Aspiration Mechanical Thrombectomy for the Management of Submassive Pulmonary Embolism: A Single-Center Experience

The Indigo Mechanical Thrombectomy System (Penumbra, Inc, Alameda, California) was used to treat 6 patients with submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) and a contraindication to thrombolysis. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (58.2 mm Hg vs 43.0 mm Hg, P < .05), right ventricular/left ventricular ratio (1.7 vs 1.1, P < .05), Miller index (15.0 vs 9.8, P < 0.01), and CT obstructive index (60.4% vs 47.0%, P < .01) were significantly reduced after mechanical thrombectomy. There were no procedural or periprocedural complications. Continuous aspiration mechanical thrombectomy is a feasible and promising technique for management of submassive PE to decrease thrombus burden and reduce right heart strain.