Catheter clot removal for submassive pulmonary embolism
Official title: 1/2 Pulmonary Embolism: Thrombus Removal with Catheter-Directed Therapy (PE-TRACT Trial)
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11167711 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,859,087 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3HL155798-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167711 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with submassive pulmonary embolism (right heart dysfunction but normal blood pressure) who meet the trial's eligibility criteria are the intended participants.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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 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
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This NIH grant tests how giving extra oxygen affects lung pressure and heart strain in people with acute pulmonary embolism, with supportive animal studies to understand the biology.
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Pulmonary embolism: catheter-directed clot removal for better outcomes
This trial tests whether delivering clot-dissolving medication directly to the lungs via a catheter helps people with submassive pulmonary embolism feel better and function better, with fewer bleeding risks.
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Pulmonary embolism treatment with catheter-directed thrombus removal versus no catheter therapy
This study tests whether removing clot with a targeted catheter approach helps people with submassive pulmonary embolism feel better and move more easily, compared with not using catheter therapy.
-
Molecular and imaging study of blood clots and inflammation in pulmonary embolism
A research project uses a mouse model to understand how blood clots and inflammatory cells affect pulmonary embolism and its outcomes, with the goal of better diagnosis and treatment for people with PE.
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.