STORM-PE Trial and New AHA Pulmonary Embolism Guidelines
STORM-PE: Thrombectomy Improves Functional Recovery at 90 Days
In 100 randomized patients, vacuum thrombectomy plus anticoagulation produced greater RV/LV ratio reduction, more class one heart association status, better six minute walk distance, and fuller return to pre-PE functional status by 90 days versus anticoagulation alone, with similar safety.
New AHA Guidelines: PE Risk Categories A Through E
Updated guidelines replace low, intermediate, and high risk terms with categories A through E based on biomarkers, RV dysfunction, and hemodynamics, add routine lactate testing, emphasize PERT teams, favor low molecular weight heparin and DOACs, and caution against propofol.
Flash 2.0 and 3.0: Single-Session Aspiration Thrombectomy
Penumbra’s Flash system added flow sensing to pressure sensing, letting operators identify and aspirate thrombus without contrast runs or wires, enabling single session bilateral treatment earlier aspiration and ultrasound catheter technology could not achieve.
Combining ECMO With Thrombectomy for High-Risk PE
For catastrophic, arrest level PE with clot in transit, presenters described placing patients on ECMO before thrombectomy, safely crossing the fragile right heart with the catheter, an approach credited with high survival across dozens of cases.
