Mechanical thrombectomy devices for the management of pulmonary embolism

Objective

The aim of this study was to review the most commonly used percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy devices for the treatment of pulmonary embolism today.

Methods

A thorough search of the existing literature was conducted on commonly used percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy devices, most notably Inari Flowtriever, Penumbra’s Indigo Aspiration, and Alphavac. Reported qualitative and quantitative information was abstracted and descriptively reviewed to ascertain the clinical utility and effectiveness of these devices.

Results

Inari Flowtriever is one of the most frequently utilized thrombectomy devices with the most substantive industry-sponsored trial data. Penumbra’s Indigo Aspiration is one of the up-and-coming devices that presents certain caveats in addition to the commonly utilized features of a percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy device, making it a viable alternative. Other newer devices such as Alphavac still lack substantial data, with some other lesser-known devices sporadically used and showing limited, primarily anecdotal evidence.

Conclusions

Each device has its positives and negatives. Data are growing on the clinical utility of these devices as their use is becoming more common. However, the long-term durability and overall cost-effectiveness remains to be determined.