Catheter-tip embolectomy in the management of acute massive pulmonary embolism.

Three catheter interventional techniques are currently available for removing or fragmenting pulmonary emboli: aspiration thrombectomy, fragmentation, and rheolytic thrombectomy. The investigators systematically reviewed all available published research related to the use of catheter-tip devices in patients with pulmonary emboli. Pooled data showed that clinical success with the Greenfield catheter occurred in 72 of 89 patients (81%) when used alone and in 19 of 19 patients (100%) when used in combination with thrombolytic agents.

Outcome and complications of retrievable inferior vena cava filters.

The results and risks of retrievable inferior vena cava filters were reviewed. Systematic review identified 6 prospective case series with broad ranges of indications for filters. In these case series, 4 different types of retrievable filters were inserted in 284 patients.