Catheter clot removal for submassive pulmonary embolism
1/2 Pulmonary Embolism: Thrombus Removal with Catheter-Directed Therapy (PE-TRACT Trial)
This trial compares catheter-directed clot removal to usual care for adults with submassive pulmonary embolism to help improve breathing and heart function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167711 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This randomized, open-label but assessor-blinded trial will enroll about 500 adults with submassive pulmonary embolism to compare catheter-directed therapy (CDT) to no-CDT. CDT delivers a lower dose of clot-dissolving medicine directly into the pulmonary arteries to remove thrombus, while the comparison group receives standard non-catheter care. The study uses an adaptive sample size with interim analyses that could stop enrollment early for clear benefit or futility. Short-term fitness will be measured by peak oxygen use at 3 months and longer-term symptoms by NYHA class at 12 months.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with submassive pulmonary embolism (right heart dysfunction but normal blood pressure) who meet the trial's eligibility criteria are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with massive (hemodynamically unstable) pulmonary embolism, those with contraindications to thrombolytic therapy, or those unable to undergo catheter procedures may not benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve exercise capacity and reduce long-term breathlessness and heart strain after submassive pulmonary embolism with less bleeding than full-dose systemic clot-busting drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Systemic thrombolysis reduces clinical deterioration but raises major bleeding risk, and smaller studies suggest catheter-directed therapy may offer benefits with less bleeding though large randomized proof is still lacking.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Sunil V — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Rao, Sunil V
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.