Catheter directed thrombolysis in treatment of acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis: determinants of outcome

ABSTRACT

Background: Acute deep vein thrombosis [DVT] of the lower limbs occurs in about 1.0 person per 1000 population per year and is associated with substantial morbidity. Although anticoagulation effectively prevents thrombus extension, pulmonary embolism, death, and recurrence may occur. Moreover, many patients develop venous dysfunction resulting in post-thrombotic syndrome [PTS]. PTS is associated with reduced individual health-related quality of life and a substantially increased economic burden. Hence, additional and more aggressive treatment, including systemic thrombolysis, thrombectomy, and catheter- directed thrombolysis [CDT], has been introduced to accelerate thrombus removal. Numerous studies suggest that additional CDT may provide highly effective clot lysis. There is little doubt that the overall benefit of thrombolysis depends on multiple factors, including predisposing risks, symptom duration, thrombus extension, and technical approaches and interventional success