Baku:New research presented at TCT 2026 and simultaneously published in JSCAI highlights the potential benefits of mechanical thrombectomy in reducing mortality rates for patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism, compared to anticoagulation alone.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the study titled "Mechanical Thrombectomy Versus Anticoagulation Alone for Intermediate-Risk Pulmonary Embolism A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," analyzed data from 12 studies involving 4,268 patients, 44% of whom underwent mechanical thrombectomy. The primary analysis revealed that mechanical thrombectomy was associated with lower mortality at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years, and also a reduced risk of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

In a sensitivity analysis focusing solely on patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism, 30-day mortality rates were similar between those treated with mechanical thrombectomy and those receiving only anticoagulation. However, the lower risk of developing chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension remained statistically significant. The analysis faced limitations as it could not combine one- and two-year mortality outcomes, with each reported by only one study.

Mahmoud Ismayl, MD, the study's author and an Interventional Cardiology Fellow and Assistant Professor at The Mayo Clinic, remarked that while the findings suggest promising associations between mechanical thrombectomy and reduced mortality, most evidence is observational. Larger randomized trials are necessary to confirm these findings and identify which patients would benefit the most.