METHODS: Patients with acute intermediate-risk PE and a right ventricular (RV)/left ventricular (LV) diameter ratio of ≥0.9 were eligible for enrollment in this prospective, multicenter, single-arm study. The primary effectiveness end point was reduction in the RV/LV ratio at 48 hours. The primary safety end point was the rate of major adverse events (MAEs) defined as subjects who experienced major bleeding, device-related deaths, clinical deterioration, or pulmonary vascular or cardiac injury within 48 hours postprocedurally.
RESULTS: In total, 122 subjects were enrolled at 25 sites. Mean procedure time was 37.2 ± 17.7 minutes. There were statistically significant reductions in mean 48-hour postprocedural RV/LV diameter ratio (-0.45 ± 0.27; P < .001). Postprocedural mean pulmonary arterial pressure also significantly declined from 27.8 ± 7.8 mm Hg before the procedure to 21.8 ± 7.2 mm Hg (P < .001). There was a 35.5% mean reduction in clot burden as measured by the modified Miller index score. Five (4.1%) subjects developed 7 MAEs during the postprocedural 48-hour assessment period, the majority of which were access site bleeding.
CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous mechanical aspiration thrombectomy with the AlphaVac system provided a safe and effective treatment for acute intermediate-risk PE with a significant reduction in RV/LV ratio and clot burden with a low rate of adverse events.