Thrombolysis in pulmonary embolism: are we under-using it?

摘要

Despite appearing an intuitive therapy, throm-bolysis for pulmonary emboli is only presently recommended for massive PE with haemodynamic shock. This recommendation has come from a small study of eight patients, coupled with the known high mortality rates of this condition. This commentary postulates that thrombolysis for massive PE may also in the future encompass respiratory failure (e.g. need for mechanical ventilation) as well as circulatory failure. Further large controlled trials are needed in this area.