Cardiovascular

Pro/Con: Thrombectomy Versus Thrombolytics for Pulmonary Embolism

Concurrent Session Moderator(s)

• 

  Danielle Davison, MD (she/her/hers)

  George Washington University Hospital, District of Columbia

  Disclosure(s): Vantive Healthcare LLC: Consulting fees or other remuneration (Ongoing)

This pro/con session will compare lytic therapy to thrombectomy for pulmonary embolism (PE). The role of thrombectomy is controversial, with limited evidence for its use in submassive PE. Current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommend lytic therapy for intermediate/high-risk PE (class IIb/IIa recommendation). The European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend embolectomy (class IIa recommendation). The 2016 CHEST guideline and expert panel suggest catheter-assisted thrombectomy only (grade 2C recommendation). Speakers will discuss the evidence in support of lytic therapy as well as its potential complications, such as bleeding complications. Speakers will also discuss the evidence in support of thrombectomy as well as its potential complications, such as mechanical complications.

Presentations:

• 1:35 PM - 1:50 PM Central Time

  Pro: We Should Expand Our Use of Thrombectomy for PE
  

  Soophia Naydenov, MD – Washington University
• 1:50 PM - 2:05 PM Central Time

  Con: Thrombolytics Remain the Standard of Care for Massive PE
  

  Marina Rabinovich, PharmD, BCPS, FCCM – Grady Health System