Comparison of outcomes in catheter-directed versus ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis for management of submassive pulmonary embolism

Management of submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) presents a quandary to the treating physician. A proportion of high-risk patients with submassive PE warrant aggressive therapy to reduce right ventricular (RV) strain and pulmonary artery pressures (PAP). Systemic thrombolytic therapy in patients with submassive PE is associated with a 2–3% risk of intracranial hemorrhage and remains controversial. However, anticoagulation often acts slowly, with...