794 - The Evolution of Endovascular Device Therapy for Pulmonary Embolism: A Pictorial Review of FDA-Cleared and Investigational Systems

Learning Objectives: (1) Review the evolution of endovascular treatment for pulmonary embolism (PE), focusing on FDA-approved devices, those in Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) trials, and future innovations.
(2) Compare the mechanisms, clinical evidence, and safety profiles of current and emerging devices.
(3) Discuss patient selection and procedural considerations.

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, with significant morbidity and healthcare burden. Traditional management strategies, including anticoagulation and systemic thrombolysis, are limited by incomplete clot resolution and bleeding risk. Endovascular therapies provide targeted clot removal or fragmentation, expanding management options for patients with contraindications or inadequate response to systemic thrombolysis. Given the rapid evolution of this field, this exhibit provides an overview of the past, present, and future of endovascular device therapy for PE.

Clinical Findings/Procedure Details: This educational exhibit will

1. Provide a brief historical overview of early endovascular techniques and their limitations


2. Review current FDA-cleared devices for PE, categorized by their mechanism of action, including mechanical thrombectomy systems (e.g., Inari FlowTriever, Penumbra Indigo/Lightning Flash, AngioDynamics AlphaVac, Imperative Care's Symphony, and Inquis Medical's Aventus) and catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) systems (e.g., Boston Scientific's EKOS and Thrombolex BASHIR)


3. Discuss the devices currently under investigation in IDE trials, including novel aspiration (e.g., Jupiter Endovascular's Vertex, Argon Medical Devices' Cleaner Pro, Innova Vascular's Laguna) and hybrid systems (e.g., E2's Hēlo, Akura Medical's Katana)


4. Compare evidence for catheter-based PE devices, focusing on key clinical outcomes and complication rates


5. Consider anticipated future innovations to address remaining challenges in PE care

Conclusion and/or Teaching Points: Endovascular device therapy for PE has rapidly matured and represents a significant advance in the management of this life-threatening condition. This exhibit will provide a framework for adopting endovascular device therapy for PE by equipping attendees with a detailed understanding of the available devices, their supporting clinical data, and procedural nuances.