Intermediate risk pulmonary embolism is common and carries a risk of progression to hemodynamic collapse and death. Catheter directed thrombolysis is an increasingly utilized treatment option, based largely on the assumptions that it is more efficacious than anticoagulation alone, and safer than systemic thrombolysis. In this review, we critically analyze the published data regarding catheter directed thrombolysis for the treatment of intermediate risk pulmonary embolism. Catheter directed thrombolysis reduces right heart strain and lowers pulmonary artery pressures more quickly than anticoagulation alone.

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