Submassive and Massive Pulmonary Embolism: An Updated Review of Definition, Diagnosis, and Treatment Strategies.

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism is a heterogeneous disease process associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Clinical risk models aid clinicians in rapid evaluation and risk stratification to ensure timely and appropriate therapy. While systemic anticoagulation remains the cornerstone of treatment, catheter-based interventional therapies are rapidly evolving. Further safety and efficacy data are needed to determine when escalation of therapy is indicated, and which catheter-directed device offers the best patient outcomes.