Pulmonary embolism: catheter-directed clot removal for better outcomes
Official title: 2/2 Pulmonary Embolism: Thrombus Removal with Catheter-Directed Therapy (PE-TRACT Trial) –DCC
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11384861 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $553,838 |
| NIH project number | 5U24HL155811-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384861 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with submassive pulmonary embolism and right heart dysfunction but without low blood pressure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with different types of PE, very high bleeding risk, or contraindications to catheter procedures may not benefit from CDT.
What this research studies
If you have submassive PE with right heart strain but stable blood pressure, this study looks at catheter-directed therapy as an alternative to standard care. Participants are randomly assigned to receive CDT or not, and the study includes careful monitoring of heart and lung function over time. The trial is designed to adapt as results come in, with measurements focused on short-term fitness and long-term daily function. It’s conducted at New York University School of Medicine and aims to enroll up to 500 patients. The researchers will compare outcomes such as peak oxygen use at 3 months and NYHA class at 12 months to determine if CDT offers meaningful benefits with acceptable safety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If CDT proves more beneficial, patients with submassive PE could have better heart-lung health and daily function with potentially lower bleeding risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials suggest potential benefits of targeted therapy, but definitive long-term improvements remain to be proven in this adaptive trial.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Troxel, Andrea B — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Troxel, Andrea B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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AI-powered tool to better predict and manage acute pulmonary embolism
A new AI system uses imaging and patient data to improve how doctors predict short-term risk and tailor treatment for people with acute pulmonary embolism.
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Endovascular vortex ultrasound to treat blood clots in the lungs
A new therapy uses a tiny ultrasound device inside the blood vessels to rapidly dissolve clots in the lungs of people with pulmonary embolism, aiming to reduce the need for high doses of clot-busting drugs.
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Supplemental Oxygen for Pulmonary Embolism: A Mechanistic Look at How Oxygen Helps the Heart and Lungs
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 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.
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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.
-
Helping ER doctors use a pulmonary embolism risk tool
This project adds simple behavioral "nudges" to an electronic pulmonary embolism risk tool to help ER doctors pick the right patients for CT scans, aiming to cut down on unnecessary scans for people with suspected 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.