Review of catheter thrombectomy devices.

Acute massive pulmonary embolism (PE) is a frequently fatal event that causes significant compromise of hemodynamic stability. Unfortunately, mortality rates for PE have remained relatively constant despite advances in prophylactic and treatment measures. In addition to embolus size, symptom recognition for diagnosis and emergent treatment are two distinct factors that dictate survival. Treatment generally includes thrombolytic agents; however, not all patients are candidates for aggressive thrombolytic management. Development of catheter thrombectomy devices provides an alternative treatment modality for severe cases when thrombolytics are contraindicated. Catheter thrombectomy devices have undergone major advances over the last decade, but literature support of their success is limited. Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel