Thrombectomy in Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism is a blood clot on the lung, which can cause death or significant reduced quality of life. Sucking the clot out with a special tube (catheter) is a relatively new procedure that can be performed but doesn't have the data required to properly support its use in some patients. We know this procedure works in patients who have no other options and would almost certainly die without intervention. We currently don't know how well this procedure is tolerated, how well it works and what its complications are in patients who are moderately to severely unwell. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), an advisory body, suggests more data is required to support its use in patients who are sick or very sick. This registry aims to support this growing evidence base to workout if the treatment is effective and the associated risks that come with using it. We are collecting data about this procedure and other treatments patients get offered to better inform clinicians and researchers.