Core Insights - The STORM-PE randomized controlled trial demonstrated that computer assisted vacuum thrombectomy (CAVT) combined with anticoagulation significantly improves clinical outcomes in patients with acute intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism (PE) compared to anticoagulation alone [1][6][15] Study Overview - STORM-PE is a pivotal, multi-center randomized controlled trial involving 100 patients across 22 international sites, comparing CAVT with anticoagulation against anticoagulation alone for treating acute intermediate-high risk PE [2][8] - The trial's primary efficacy endpoint was the reduction in right ventricular to left ventricular (RV/LV) ratio at 48 hours, assessed by an independent core laboratory [8] Key Findings - Patients receiving CAVT plus anticoagulation showed a 2.7 times greater reduction in thrombus burden (42.1% vs. 15.6% relative reduction; P < 0.001) [7] - Significant early physiological recovery was observed, with lower heart rates (80.0 bpm vs. 86.4 bpm; P = 0.022) and reduced supplemental oxygen requirements (0.5 L/min vs. 1.4 L/min; P = 0.027) [7] - CAVT patients had a 2.2 times greater likelihood of recovering functional status by discharge (P = 0.032) and walked significantly longer distances in a 90-day six-minute walk test (472m vs. 376m; P = 0.019) [7] Safety Profile - The safety profile of CAVT was comparable to anticoagulation alone, with no device-related mortality and no significant difference in symptomatic PE recurrence [7][4] Implications for Patient Care - The results of the STORM-PE trial highlight the importance of early intervention in patients with intermediate-high risk PE and suggest that CAVT could be a superior therapeutic option, potentially influencing future treatment guidelines [3][4]