RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Thrombectomy in Pulmonary Embolism

This study is gathering information about a new procedure called thrombectomy, which involves using a special thin tube to remove blood clots from the lungs. Pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lung, can be very serious. While there are standard treatments, for some unwell patients, removing the clot directly might be helpful. We already know this procedure can save lives when other options have run out. However, we need to learn more about how well it works and if there are any side effects for patients who are only moderately or severely unwell. This study aims to collect important information to help doctors decide when and how to best use this new treatment.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust

Enrolment target

2,000

Start

11 May 2026

Estimated completion

11 Dec 2029

Pulmonary Embolism and Thrombosis

What is this study about?

Imagine a blood clot, like a small blockage, forming in one of the blood vessels in your lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism, and it can make it very hard to breathe and feel well. Sometimes, it can even be life-threatening. Doctors usually treat these clots with medicines that stop them from growing or help your body dissolve them over time. However, for some people, especially those who are more unwell, doctors are exploring newer ways to help.

One of these newer ways is called a thrombectomy, which sounds complicated but simply means 'removing a clot'. This procedure involves a doctor carefully inserting a very thin, flexible tube, called a catheter, into a blood vessel and guiding it to the lung, where it can gently suck out the blood clot. This is quicker than waiting for medicines to work and might be helpful for patients who are quite sick. We know this procedure can be a lifesaver for patients in extreme situations where no other treatment has worked.

What we don't fully understand yet is how well this procedure works, how safe it is, and what the potential risks are for patients who are moderately or severely unwell, but not necessarily in the most critical condition. This study is like a detective gathering clues. By collecting information from many patients who receive this treatment, we hope to build a clearer picture for doctors and patients. This will help them make the best decisions about when this procedure should be used and who it will most benefit, ultimately improving care for people with lung clots.

Key takeaways

The study investigates a new way to remove blood clots from the lungs.
It aims to understand the safety and effectiveness of this procedure (thrombectomy).
It focuses on patients who are moderately to severely unwell with lung clots.
Participation involves allowing researchers to collect and use your medical information.
The goal is to provide better information for doctors and improve patient care.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you would need to be at least 18 years old. You must have been diagnosed with an acute (meaning recent) pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in your lung, within the last two weeks. This diagnosis must have been confirmed by a CT scan. The doctors involved would also determine if your pulmonary embolism is classified as 'intermediate' or 'high-risk', based on established medical guidelines, indicating that it's a more serious type of clot affecting your heart function.

On the other hand, you wouldn't be able to join the study if you have a known severe allergy to the special dyes used in X-ray imaging. If a CT scan wasn't available to confirm your pulmonary embolism, or if your clot is considered 'low-risk' (less serious), you wouldn't be eligible. Also, if you are already taking part in another study involving a new drug or device that might interfere with the results of this study, you might not be able to participate. Finally, the research team would assess if other medical or personal reasons might make it difficult for you to give proper consent or participate fully.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years or older?
Have you been diagnosed with a recent blood clot in your lung (pulmonary embolism) within the last two weeks?
Was your lung clot confirmed by a CT scan?
Has your doctor told you your lung clot is considered 'intermediate' or 'high-risk'?
Have you discussed any allergies to X-ray dyes with your doctor?
Are you currently not participating in another research study that might affect this one?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would be receiving the thrombectomy procedure or another standard treatment as determined by your doctors. The study itself is mainly about collecting information from your medical records. This includes details about your diagnosis, the treatment you receive, how well you recover, and any side effects you might experience. There won't be any extra visits or appointments just for the study; researchers will look at the information from your regular hospital visits and follow-up care. The main commitment would be giving your permission for your medical information to be used anonymously for research purposes, helping to understand this treatment better.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is contributing to important research that will help doctors understand and improve treatment for future patients with lung clots. You would also receive the treatment that your medical team believes is best for your condition, whether it's the thrombectomy or another established treatment. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks involved, which your doctor will explain in detail. The thrombectomy procedure itself has its own risks, similar to other invasive procedures, such as bleeding, infection, or damage to blood vessels, although these are generally rare. This study primarily collects data from procedures already deemed necessary by your doctor. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Plymouth, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a pulmonary embolism?

It's a blood clot that has travelled to your lungs, which can cause serious breathing problems and other health issues.

What is thrombectomy?

It's a procedure where a doctor uses a special tube to gently remove a blood clot from your body, in this case, from your lungs.

Why is this study important?

It helps us learn more about how well thrombectomy works and its safety for patients with lung clots, especially those who are quite unwell.

Will I get a new treatment if I join this study?

The study collects information on treatments your doctors decide are best for you. It's not about giving you an experimental treatment that isn't already being considered by your medical team.

What will I have to do if I participate?

You would agree to let researchers use your medical information for the study. There are no extra tests or appointments specifically for the research beyond your usual care.

How to find out more

Paul Jenkins

plh-tr.tipe@nhs.net 01752438000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.