Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy in a real-world pulmonary embolism population: Interim results of the FLASH registry

Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 2022 Mar;99(4):1345-1355. doi: 10.1002/ccd.30091. Epub 2022 Feb 3.

Abstract

Objectives: The FlowTriever All-Comer Registry for Patient Safety and Hemodynamics (FLASH) is a prospective multi-center registry evaluating the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy for treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE) in a real-world patient population (NCT03761173). This interim analysis reports outcomes for the first 250 patients enrolled in FLASH.

Background: High- and intermediate-risk PEs are characterized by high mortality rates, frequent readmissions, and long-term sequelae. Mechanical thrombectomy is emerging as a front-line therapy for PE that enables immediate thrombus reduction while avoiding the bleeding risks inherent with thrombolytics.

Methods: The primary endpoint is a composite of major adverse events (MAE) including device-related death, major bleeding, and intraprocedural device- or procedure-related adverse events at 48 h. Secondary endpoints include on-table changes in hemodynamics and longer-term measures including dyspnea, heart rate, and cardiac function.

Results: Patients were predominantly intermediate-risk per ESC guidelines (6.8% high-risk, 93.2% intermediate-risk). There were three MAEs (1.2%), all of which were major bleeds that resolved without sequelae, with no device-related injuries, clinical deteriorations, or deaths at 48 h. All-cause mortality was 0.4% at 30 days, with a single death that was unrelated to PE. Significant on-table improvements in hemodynamics were noted, including an average reduction in mean pulmonary artery pressure of 7.1 mmHg (22.2%, p < 0.001). Patient symptoms and cardiac function improved through follow-up.

Conclusions: These interim results provide preliminary evidence of excellent safety in a real-world PE population. Reported outcomes suggest that mechanical thrombectomy can result in immediate hemodynamic improvements, symptom reduction, and cardiac function recovery.

Keywords: hemodynamics; mechanical thrombectomy; percutaneous intervention; pulmonary embolism.

Publication types

  • Clinical Study

MeSH terms

  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / therapy
  • Registries
  • Thrombectomy* / adverse effects
  • Thrombectomy* / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

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