Optimizing Treatment for Pulmonary Embolism and Afib with Catheter-Based Interventions.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is a safer and more effective treatment option than systemic thrombolysis or anticoagulation therapy for patients with intermediate- or high-risk pulmonary embolism, according to a systematic review and network meta-analysis of over 20,000 patients. CDT was associated with a 57% lower risk for death than systemic thrombolysis and a 64% lower risk than anticoagulation. The researchers suggest that CDT should be considered a first-line therapy for this patient population, and hope their study will influence treatment guidelines.