Fibrinolytic and Anticoagulation Therapy in Patients Undergoing Ultrasound-Assisted Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Pulmonary Embolism.

Background Ultrasound-assisted, catheter-directed thrombolysis (UA-CDT) relieves right ventricular stress without a significant increase in the risk of bleeding compared to systemic thrombolysis. Although concomitant anticoagulation is provided to prevent thrombus expansion, the optimal anticoagulation regimen in patients receiving UA-CDT remains unknown. Objective We sought to describe anticoagulation practices for patients receiving UA-CDT. Methods Patients receiving UA-CDT for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) between Jan 1, 2013 to Sept 30, 2014 at a single center were analyzed. We collected patient characteristics, fibrinolytic and anticoagulant usage as well as clinical outcomes. Results Fourteen patients were included in the final analysis. The mean alteplase dose was 16.8 ± 5.6 mg and 24.3 ± 3.4 mg in unilateral and bilateral PE, respectively. Mean unfractionated heparin (UFH) rates were 7.4 (±2.17) IU/kg/hr and 12.4 (±3.1) IU/kg/hr during and after fibrinolytic therapy, respectively. The median aPTT was 42.4 sec [IQR 34.5-51.8] and 77.9 sec [IQR 66.5-96.8] during and after fibrinolytic therapy, respectively. There were no recurrent VTE within 30 days of hospital discharge. One patient had a major bleeding event (intracranial hemorrhage). Conclusion In patients with acute PE, our institution utilized low levels of anticoagulation during fibrinolytic administration and therapeutic doses after completion of fibrinolytic infusion. Standardized protocols for anticoagulation during UA-CDT are warranted.