Treatment of symptomatic lower extremity acute deep venous thrombosis: role of mechanical thrombectomy.

Abstract

Systemic anticoagulation with heparin or its unfractionated derivatives followed by warfarin therapy has been the mainstay of treatment in patients with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Although heparin is an effective treatment modality in preventing thrombus propagation, it provides minimal therapeutic effect in dissolving preexisting venous thrombus. The clinical consequence of DVT, owing in part to loss of venous endothelial and valvular function, is postphlebitic syndrome or chronic venous insufficiency. Current advances in endovascular therapy have resulted in various endovascular thrombectomy systems that can effectively remove a large venous thrombus burden, which may represent a potential advantage of preserving venous valvular function and thereby reduce the likelihood of postphlebitic syndrome. In this article, we review a variety of surgical and interventional methods in venous thrombus removal. Current treatment modalities using mechanical thrombectomy devices and pharmacomechancial thrombectomy strategy are also discussed.

• Authors: Andre Biuckians, George H Meier 3rd
• Journal: Vascular (Vascular) 2007 Sep-Oct Vol. 15 Issue 5 Pg. 297-303 ISSN: 1708-5381 [Print] England
• PMID: 17976330 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Humans
• Leg (blood supply)
• Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures (methods)
• Thrombectomy (adverse effects, methods)
• Thrombolytic Therapy (methods)
• Venous Thrombosis (drug therapy, surgery)