Retrospective Analysis of the Safety and Efficacy of AngioJet Rheolytic Thrombectomy for Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Single-Center Study

Background: To investigate the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of AngioJet Rheolytic Throm-bectomy (ART) in the treatment of acute pulmonary embolism (APE).Methods: Twelve patients with intermediate-or high-risk APE received ART and were followed up for 6-32 months. The technical success rate, clinical success rate, mortality, complication, and ancillary and laboratory tests before and after operation were analyzed retrospectively.Results: The technical and clinical success rates of ART were both 91.67% (11/12). Except for the patient who died of heart failure during the operation, the rest of patients had no serious com-plications. After operation, arterial oxygen partial pressure increased while hemoglobin and troponin decreased (P < 0.05). All patients were free of recurrence of APE after 6-32 months of follow-up. Pulmonary artery thrombosis significantly reduced or disappeared.Conclusions: ART is an effective treatment for intermediate-and high-risk APE. It quickly clears the main pulmonary artery thrombus, relieves pulmonary hypertension, and improves the long-term prognosis of patients.