Ultrasound-Facilitated, Catheter-Directed Fibrinolysis for Acute Pulmonary Embolism

In the HI-PEITHO trial, 544 patients with acute intermediate-high-risk PE were randomized to ultrasound-facilitated catheter-directed fibrinolysis (EKOS) vs anticoagulation alone. The primary composite endpoint (PE-related death, cardiorespiratory decompensation, or recurrent PE within 7 days) occurred in 3.7% vs 10.3% — a 61% relative risk reduction (RR 0.4; P=0.005). No intracranial bleeding in either group. First positive hard-outcome trial for catheter-directed intervention in intermediate-risk PE.