STORM-PE randomized 100 patients with acute intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism to computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomy plus anticoagulation or anticoagulation alone; this report evaluates 90-day secondary outcomes. Six-minute walk distance was greater with thrombectomy (478.7 ± 159.5 versus 368.0 ± 127.8 m; P = 0.003), although only approximately two-thirds completed testing. NYHA class I was more frequent with thrombectomy (97.4% versus 75.6%; P = 0.005). Dyspnea and quality-of-life scores were comparable, and no between-group differences were reported in all-cause mortality, PE-related mortality, or symptomatic PE recurrence through 90 days.
Thrombectomy was associated with better measured functional recovery at 90 days in this randomized trial. Incomplete testing and secondary-endpoint status temper interpretation; mortality benefit and equivalent safety were not established.
Study limitation: Functional outcomes were secondary endpoints, and only approximately two-thirds completed walk testing, creating potential follow-up bias.
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