Pharmacomechanical thrombolysis and early stent placement for iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis

PURPOSE: To evaluate an approach to the treatment of iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that included pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis with reteplase and the Helix mechanical thrombectomy device, followed by early stent placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 3-year period, 23 symptomatic limbs in 18 patients with iliofemoral DVT were treated with reteplase catheter-directed thrombolysis. After an initial infusion of 8 to 16 hours, any residual acute thrombus over a long segment (> 10 cm) was treated by maceration with use of the Helix thrombectomy device. Residual short-segment (< 10 cm) iliac vein thrombus and/or stenosis were treated with stent placement. Technical success, clinical success, complications, thrombolytic infusion time, total thrombolytic agent dose, fibrinogen level changes, and late limb status were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 23 of 23 limbs (100%). Clinical success was achieved in 22 of 23 limbs (96%). Complete or partial thrombolysis was observed in 19 of 23 limbs (83%). Major bleeding was observed in one patient (6%) and necessitated blood transfusion. Mean per-limb thrombolytic infusion time and total dose were 19.6 hours +/- 8.1 and 13.8 U +/- 5.3 reteplase, respectively. Mean serum fibrinogen nadir and percentage drop in serum fibrinogen were 282 mg/dL +/- 167 and 47% +/- 24%, respectively. Late (mean, 19.8 +/- 11.6 months) modified Venous Disability Scores were 0 (none) for six limbs, 1 (mild) for 10 limbs, 2 (moderate) for two limbs, and 3 (severe) for no limbs. CONCLUSION: In a preliminary experience, pharmacomechanical catheter-directed iliofemoral DVT thrombolysis with early stent placement was safe and effective.     

Lower Extremity Venous Stent Placement: A Large Retrospective Single-Center Analysis

PurposeTo study short-term and long-term outcomes of lower extremity venous stents placed at a single center and to characterize changes in vein diameter achieved by stent placement.Materials and MethodsA database of all patients who received lower extremity venous stents between 1996 and 2018 revealed 1,094 stents were placed in 406 patients (172 men, 234 women; median age, 49 y) in 513 limbs, including patients with iliocaval stents (9.4% acute thrombosis, 65.3% chronic thrombosis, 25.3% nonthrombotic lesions). Primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates were assessed for lower extremity venous stents at 1, 3, and 5 years using Kaplan-Meier analyses and summary statistics. Subset analyses and Cox regression were performed to identify risk factors for patency loss. Vein diameters and Villalta scores before and up to 12 months after stent placement were compared. Complication and mortality rates were calculated.ResultsPrimary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates at 5 years were 57.3%, 77.2%, and 80.9% by Kaplan-Meier methods and 78.6%, 90.3%, and 92.8% by summary statistics. Median follow-up was 199 days (interquartile range, 35.2–712.0 d). Patency rates for the subset of patients (n = 46) with ≥ 5 years of follow-up (mean ± SD 9.1 y ± 3.4) were nearly identical to cohort patency rates at 5 years. Patients with inferior vena cava stent placement (hazard ratio 2.11, P < .0001) or acute thrombosis (hazard ratio 3.65, P < .0001) during the index procedure had significantly increased risk of losing primary patency status. Vein diameters were significantly greater after stent placement. There were no instances of stent fracture, migration, or structural deformities. In patients with chronic deep vein thrombosis, Villalta scores significantly decreased after stent placement (from 15.7 to 7.4, P < .0001). Perioperative mortality was < 1%, and major perioperative complication rate was 3.7%.ConclusionsCavo-ilio-femoral stent placement for venous occlusive disease achieves improvement of vein disease severity scores, increase in treated vein diameters, and satisfactory long-term patency rates.     

Stents in common iliac vein obstruction with acute ipsilateral deep venous thrombosis: early and late results

PURPOSE: To evaluate, by imaging and clinical follow-up, the effectiveness and long-term results of stent placement in cases of common iliac vein obstruction associated with ipsilateral deep vein thrombosis (DVT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 22 patients (13 women, nine men; median age, 58 years) with common iliac vein obstruction with ipsilateral DVT was performed for this study. All patients presented with leg edema or pain and were treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis (1,000-2,000 U urokinase per kg body weight per hour; n = 19), aspiration thrombectomy (n = 21), or angioplasty (n = 14) followed by stent placement (n = 22) via an ipsilateral popliteal vein approach (right, n = 2; left, n = 20) under ultrasonographic (US) guidance. Patients were then followed by duplex US, and patency rates were determined by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: The mean procedure time was 15 hours (range, 1-23 hours) and the mean urokinase dose was 1,980,000 U (range, 600,000-3,600,000 U) before the implantation of 27 stents. Three patients did not receive urokinase. The technical success rate was 96% (26 of 27 stents) and the clinical success rate was 95% (21 of 22 patients). The causes of common iliac vein obstruction were May-Thurner syndrome (n = 16), pelvic mass (n = 2), and unknown (n = 4). The early complications included upward stent migration in one patient and a spinal epidural hematoma in another. The late complication was partial stent obstruction, which was successfully treated by thrombolysis and angioplasty in one patient. Follow-up lasted 1-41 months (mean, 21.4 months). Overall, the 1-year and 2-year primary patency rates were both 95% and the 1-year and 2-year secondary patency rates were both 100%. CONCLUSION: Directed catheter thrombolysis and aspiration of DVT are relatively safe, and the use of stents improves patency results in cases of common iliac vein obstruction.     

Iliocaval Skip Stent Reconstruction Technique for Chronic Bilateral Iliocaval Venous Occlusion

PurposeTo report safety and efficacy of a skip stent technique using nitinol stents in patients with chronic bilateral iliocaval venous occlusions.Materials and MethodsA retrospective analysis of 48 consecutive patients (32 men; mean age, 40.7 years; age range, 18–68 years) with chronic bilateral iliocaval obstructions treated using a nonoverlapping stent technique was conducted at a single center. None of the patients had May-Thurner syndrome. Iliocaval confluence was treated by deploying a nitinol stent in inferior vena cava (IVC) and a nitinol stent in each common iliac vein close to the caval stent. Patency of stents was assessed by duplex US at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months and yearly thereafter.ResultsRecanalization and stent reconstruction was technically successful in 47 (98%) patients. The sinus-XL venous stent was used to treat IVC (95 [100%]). Common iliac and external iliac veins were treated with sinus-Venous and VENOVO stents (80 [83%] and 16 [17%] limbs, respectively). External iliac and common femoral veins were treated with sinus-Venous and VENOVO stents (83 [92%] and 7 [18%] limbs, respectively). Early thrombosis (< 30 days) of the iliac vein with stent occurred in 2 limbs. Cumulative primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates at 30 months were 74%, 83%, and 97%.ConclusionsFindings of this study suggest that leaving a skipped lesion at the level of iliocaval confluence may not adversely affect stent patency. Patency rates were comparable with other reported techniques of stent reconstruction at the level of iliocaval confluence.     

髋关节区动脉支架植入治疗下肢动脉重症缺血的临床效果评价

目的观察与评价髋关节区支架植入治疗下肢动脉重症缺血的安全性、有效性及对股深动脉血流的影响。 方法66例动脉硬化闭塞所致下肢重症缺血患者（共70条动脉,均累及股总动脉和/或股动脉近心段）。平均年龄74.6岁。男46例,女20例。左下肢动脉40条,右下肢动脉30条。开通闭塞动脉后,行球囊扩张及支架植入。 结果术中股动脉急性闭塞3例（局部溶栓后获得通畅）,余下肢动脉即刻血流均获得通畅,下肢缺血症状均明显改善。术后15例患肢出现血流过度灌注,无严重并发症发生。随访54例（失访12例）,随访时间2～30个月,平均（16.2±2.6）个月。25例因再狭窄或闭塞发生患肢缺血,其中16例接受再次介入治疗（PTA及导管溶栓后获二次通畅）。跨髋关节支架均无断裂,股深动脉均仍保持通畅。6例发生心、脑血管意外,其中2例死亡。 结论跨髋关节动脉支架植入可安全、有效地改善下肢动脉重症缺血,且不影响股深动脉血流。     

Endovascular Iliocaval Stent Reconstruction for Inferior Vena Cava Filter–Associated Iliocaval Thrombosis: Approach,Technical Success,Safety, and Two-Year Outcomes in 120 Patients

Purpose

To report technical success, outcomes, and patency of iliocaval stent reconstruction for inferior vena cava (IVC) filter–bearing iliocaval thrombosis.

Deep venous thrombosis associated with protein C and/or S deficiency: management with catheter-directed thrombolysis

We performed this study to evaluate the efficacy of catheter-directed thrombolysis with urokinase in treating acute symptomatic iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis associated with protein C and/or S deficiency. A total of 42 consecutive patients with deep venous thrombosis were seen between September 2000 and August 2002. Of these, catheter-directed thrombolysis via the popliteal vein was performed in 5 patients (11.9%) with acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis associated with protein C and/or S deficiency. Average duration of symptoms was 4.2 days (range, 1-7 days). The average urokinase dose was 2.7 million IU (range, 0.6 million to 7.0 million IU) infused over an average of 33.1 h (range, 16-67 h). Lysis was complete in all five treated cases. Two cases had underlying iliac venous stenoses (>50%) that were treated with angioplasty and stent placement. In one patient in whom recanalization of a right iliac vein occlusion was successful, thrombosis occurred in the treated vein within 3 weeks of intervention despite full anticoagulation therapy, and further intervention was required. There were no complications or clinically detectable pulmonary emboli. The technical and clinical success rates were 100%. This initial experience suggests that catheter-directed thrombolysis for treatment of acute symptomatic iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis associated with protein C and/or S deficiency is safe and effective.     

Phlegmasia Caerulea Dolens in a Patient With an Inferior Vena Cava Filter: Treatment of Massive Iliocaval Thrombosis Using Local Intravenous Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis

Phlegmasia caerulea dolens (PCD) is a potentially disastrous complication of inferior vena cava filter insertion, and its optimum management has not been clearly established. We present a case report of a patient with pulmonary embolism and acute adrenal haemorrhage who developed PCD secondary to massive iliocaval thrombosis after insertion of a Cook Celect removable filter. Local intravenous catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), followed by systemic anticoagulation, achieved limb salvage and virtual resolution of symptoms at 3?months without complications. CDT can be a successful primary treatment of filter-associated PCD and can be safe in selected patients with acute nontraumatic haemorrhage. Systemic anticoagulation may subsequently restore complete venous patency and may therefore be a useful approach to postthrombolysis management of residual iliocaval thrombus when filter removal is indicated.     

Endovascular management of iliac vein compression (May-Thurner) syndrome

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of endovascular techniques in treating venous outflow obstruction resulting from compression of the iliac vein by the iliac artery of the left lower extremity (May-Thurner syndrome). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 39 patients (29 women, 10 men; median age, 46 years) with iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) was performed. Nineteen patients presented with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and 20 patients presented with chronic symptoms. All patients presented with leg edema or pain. In the acute group, patients were treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis (120,000-180,000 IU urokinase/h) and angioplasty followed by stent placement. In the chronic group, patients were treated with use of angioplasty and stent placement alone (n = 8), or in combination with thrombolysis (n = 12). Patients were then followed-up with duplex ultrasound and a quality-of-life assessment. RESULTS: Initial technical success was achieved in 34 of 39 patients (87%). The overall patency rate at 1 year was 79%. Symptomatically, 85% of patients were completely or partially improved compared with findings before treatment. Thirty-five of 39 patients received stents. The 1-year patency rate for patients with acute symptoms who received stents was 91.6%; for patients with chronic symptoms who received stents, the 1-year patency rate was 93.9%. Five technical failures occurred. Major complications included acute iliac vein rethrombosis (< 24 hours) requiring reintervention (n = 2). Minor complications included perisheath hematomas (n = 4) and minor bleeding (n = 1). There were no deaths, pulmonary embolus, cerebral hemorrhage, or major bleeding complications. CONCLUSION: Endovascular reconstruction of occluded iliac veins secondary to IVCS (May-Thurner) appears to be safe and effective.     

经大隐静脉穿刺置管溶栓治疗急性期髂股静脉血栓形成

目的:探讨经大隐静脉入路置管溶栓治疗髂股静脉血栓形成的应用价值。方法:对18例急性期髂股静脉血栓形成的患者在下腔静脉滤器植入术前提下,经大隐静脉入路置管溶栓治疗。结果:18例患者经大隐静脉穿刺成功置管,技术成功率为100%,治疗有效率为100%。置管期间无不良反应及并发症发生;平均住院时间为12.5d。结论:经大隐静脉入路置管溶栓介入治疗急性期髂股静脉血栓操作简便,经济实用,安全有效。     

Chronically occluded inferior venae cavae: endovascular treatment

PURPOSE: To report the results of endoluminal recanalization and stent placement in patients with chronic occlusions of the inferior vena cava (IVC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen consecutive patients (12 male, five female patients; mean age, 40.6 years; age range, 15-77 years) with chronic IVC occlusions were treated during a 6-year period. The mean duration of symptoms was 32 months. Underlying active malignancy was the cause of occlusion in four patients. Five patients with superimposed acute thrombus underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis prior to IVC recanalization. Clinical patency was defined as absence or improvement of symptoms. Clinical follow-up was supplemented with ultrasonography, vena cavography, or both in 10 patients. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 15 (88%) patients. Additional thrombolytic therapy and stent placement was needed in two patients to maintain patency at 4 and 6 months after the procedure. Twelve patients had IVCs that remained patent after a mean follow-up of 19 months for a primary patency rate of 80%. The primary assisted patency rate was 87% (13 of 15). There were four deaths owing to underlying disease 6-21 months after the procedures. There were no procedure-related complications. CONCLUSION: Endoluminal recanalization and stent placement in chronically occluded IVCs has a good intermediate-term outcome and should be considered in patients who have symptoms and who often do not have adequate alternative therapy.     

Midterm Outcomes of Stent Placement for Long-segment Iliac Artery Chronic Total Occlusions: A Retrospective Evaluation in a Single Institution

PurposeTo assess the clinical and patency results of stent placement for long-segment iliac artery chronic total occlusions (CTOs).Materials and MethodsA retrospective analysis of 217 patients (141 men and 76 women; mean age, 76.6 y; 256 limbs) with long-segment (>5 cm) iliac artery CTOs treated with stent placement was conducted in a single institution from January 2005 to July 2011. Demographics, clinical presentation, classification, comorbidity, ankle-brachial index (ABI) before and after treatment, technical success, patency, and complications were recorded at follow-up. The approach was initial access from the left brachial artery or the contralateral femoral artery.ResultsAccording to the TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (TASC II) classification, 27 patients were type B, 143 were type C, and 47 were type D. Clinical presentation was recorded according to the Rutherford-Becker classification: 35 patients presented with stage 3; 108, with stage 4; 53, with stage 5; and 21, with stage 6. Technical success was 96.5% (247 of 256). Periprocedural in-stent thrombosis occurred in nine patients and was treated successfully with catheter-directed thrombolysis. ABI increased from 0.36±0.16 (range, 0–0.57) before the procedure to 0.79±0.24 (range, 0.56–1.12) after the procedure. The mean duration of follow-up was 25.4 months (range, 1–72 months). The primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency of the iliac artery was 95.1%, 98.4%, and 99.2% at 1 year and 91.9%, 95.6%, and 97.5% at 2 years, respectively. Major complications were encountered in 17 (6.6%) patients, and minor complications occurred in 12 (4.7%) patients.ConclusionsThese data suggest that stent placement is an effective, safe, and feasible method for treating long-segment iliac artery CTOs.     

Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis with a Continuous Infusion of Low-Dose Urokinase for Non-Acute Deep Venous Thrombosis of the Lower Extremity

Objective

We wanted to evaluate the feasibility of catheter-directed thrombolysis with a continuous infusion of low-dose urokinase for treating non-acute (less than 14 days) deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity.

Materials and Methods

The clinical data of 110 patients who were treated by catheter-directed thrombolysis with a continuous infusion of low-dose urokinase for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis was analysed. Adjunctive angioplasty or/and stenting was performed for the residual stenosis. Venous recanalization was graded by pre- and post-treatment venography. Follow-up was performed by clinical evaluation and Doppler ultrasound.

Results

A total of 112 limbs with deep venous thrombosis with a mean symptom duration of 22.7 days (range: 15-38 days) were treated with a urokinase infusion (mean: 3.5 million IU) for a mean of 196 hours. After thrombolysis, stent placement was performed in 25 iliac vein lesions and percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) alone was done in five iliac veins. Clinically significant recanalization was achieved in 81% (90 of 112) of the treated limbs; complete recanalization was achieved in 28% (31 of 112) and partial recanalization was achieved in 53% (59 of 112). Minor bleeding occurred in 14 (13%) patients, but none of the patients suffered from major bleeding or symptomatic pulmonary embolism. During follow-up (mean: 15.2 months, range: 3-24 months), the veins were patent in 74 (67%) limbs. Thirty seven limbs (32%) showed progression of the stenosis with luminal narrowing more than 50%, including three with rethrombosis, while one revealed an asymptomatic iliac vein occlusion; 25 limbs (22%) developed mild post-thrombotic syndrome, and none had severe post-thrombotic syndrome. Valvular reflux occurred in 24 (21%) limbs.

Conclusion

Catheter-directed thrombolysis with a continuous infusion of low-dose urokinase combined with adjunctive iliac vein stenting is safe and effective for removal of the clot burden and for restoration of the venous flow in patients with non-acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.     

四肢动脉狭窄伴血栓形成的急诊介入治疗

目的 评价四肢动脉狭窄伴血栓形成急诊介入治疗的临床意义。方法 26例四肢动脉狭窄伴血栓形成的患者实施了急诊OASIS导管流变溶栓、ATD浸软溶栓或尿激酶溶栓术，对狭窄段采取经皮球囊扩张(PTA)和支架成形术，其中锁骨下动脉3例，髂动脉5例，股动脉7例，胭动脉4例，胫前胫后动脉及足部动脉4例，人造血管2例，支架术后再狭窄1例。结果 PTA或支架置入术后狭窄段的血管腔复通率100％，溶栓术后血栓完全消失，患肢远端血运明显改善或恢复，临床症状消失。DSA或B超随访1～20个月，动脉均保持通畅。溶栓后消化道出血1例，无截肢病例。结论 采用急诊机械性和药物性溶栓术结合PTA和支架治疗四肢动脉狭窄伴血栓形成，可有效地解除动脉闭塞，避免截肢。     

经颈静脉导管血管内溶栓联合足背静脉溶栓治疗下肢深静脉血栓

目的 探讨经颈静脉途径血管内溶栓联合足背静脉溶栓,治疗下肢深静脉血栓的可行性与疗效.方法 18例下肢深静脉血栓患者(治疗组)采用经颈静脉穿刺后,置管造影并植入滤器,留置导管持续血管内溶栓同时联合足背静脉溶栓;而同期有16例患者(对照组)仅行足背静脉溶栓.结果 治疗组溶栓时间为(6.6±2.3)d,对照组为(8.2 ±1.4)d;所用尿激酶总量治疗组为(552±224)万u,对照组为(700±166)万u.联合溶栓能显著减少溶栓时间与尿激酶用量(P＜0.05).治疗组溶栓前后大、小腿周径分别减小(4.6 ±2.1)cm、(4.0±2.1)cm,对照组分别为(3.2±1.7)cm、(2.7±1.5)cm,两组间差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).治疗组完全溶通率为66.7%.对照组完全溶通率为31.3%,两组间差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).治疗组4例患者在血栓完全溶通后从原穿刺处将滤器取出.结论 经颈静脉途径导管内溶栓联合足背静脉溶柃治疗下肢深静脉血栓安全、效果好,完全溶通后可从原穿刺处回收滤器.     

腔内介入治疗Cockett综合征伴左下肢深静脉血栓形成

目的 探讨Cockett综合征伴左下肢深静脉血栓形成(DVT)腔内介入治疗的临床效果.方法 回顾性分析2011年1月至2015年1月收治的256例Cockett综合征伴左下肢DVT患者,采用经导管接触溶栓、球囊扩张闭塞/狭窄段或支架植入术治疗,比较治疗前后患肢周径差、远期通畅率.结果 256例Cockett综合征伴左下肢DVT患者中232例(90.6％)血栓完全溶解.24例(9.4％)部分溶解,治疗前后患肢大腿与小腿周径差分别为(7.12±2.15) cm、(4.57±2.81) cm.206例髂静脉重建患者中单纯球囊扩张46例,球囊扩张联合髂静脉支架植入160例;平均随访15个月(9～24个月),单纯球囊扩张患者失访3例,出现髂静脉闭塞26例(60.5％),血栓后综合征(PTS)21例(48.8％),球囊扩张联合支架植入患者失访11例,支架狭窄/闭塞13例(8.7％),PTS 15例(10.1％),两组闭塞/狭窄、PTS差异有统计学意义(P＜0.001).结论 导管接触溶栓、球囊扩张联合支架植入治疗Cockett综合征,具有确切的临床疗效.     

Sharp recanalization using a subintimal reentry device, angioplasty, and stent placement for severely symptomatic iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis secondary to congenital aplasia of the inferior vena cava

Iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) secondary to congenital caval abnormalities is uncommon but should be suspected in younger patients presenting with bilateral DVT. Prior reports have described thrombolytic therapy and angioplasty for noncongenital caval occlusion and intraluminal recanalization for suspected congenital caval obstruction. A novel case is described of a young woman presenting with iliocaval DVT and phlegmasia, in which recanalization of presumed caval atresia or agenesis was accomplished using sharp recanalization with a subintimal reentry device, followed by thrombolysis, angioplasty, and stent placement to obtain caval patency and complete symptomatic relief.     

Technical Details and Clinical Outcomes of Transpopliteal Venous Stent Placement for Postthrombotic Chronic Total Occlusion of the Iliofemoral Vein

PurposeTo evaluate the technical aspects and early clinical results of stent placement for managing postthrombotic chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the iliofemoral vein through ipsilateral popliteal access.Materials and MethodsA retrospective analysis of 110 patients (44 men; mean age, 51 y; 118 limbs; 102 left limbs) with postthrombotic CTO of the iliofemoral vein treated with stent placement in a single institution from January 2007–December 2011 was conducted. All occlusions were initially accessed via ipsilateral popliteal veins under the guidance of venography or ultrasonography. Technical aspects, quality of life, stent patency, and Villalta scores were recorded at follow-up evaluation. Risk factors of in-stent restenosis and early in-stent thrombosis were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression model.ResultsPercutaneous recanalization was successful in 112 of 118 limbs (95%). The mean duration of the procedure was 43 minutes (range, 10–120 min). The quality of life and Villalta scores were significantly improved (P < .01). The 3-year primary, assisted primary, and secondary cumulative stent patency rates were 70%, 90%, and 94%. During a median follow-up period of 25 months (range, 1–52 mo), the relief rates of severe leg pain (visual analog scale > 5) and severe leg swelling (grade 3) were 72% (49 of 68) and 70% (64 of 91), respectively, and the healing of ulcers was successful in 78% (36 of 46) of the cases. After stent placement, the limbs with visible remaining collateral circulation had a higher rate of early in-stent thrombosis (22.5% vs 6.1%; P = .007). The patients with long stents extending below the inguinal ligament had a higher rate of in-stent restenosis (hazard ratio = 1.77–6.5; P = .0146).ConclusionsTranspopliteal venous stent placement is an effective, safe, and feasible method of managing postthrombotic CTO of the iliofemoral vein. The stent extending below the inguinal ligament is the major risk factor of in-stent restenosis. The visible remaining collateral circulation after stent placement may indicate persistent hemodynamically significant stenosis.     

Endovascular recanalization of the thrombosed filter-bearing inferior vena cava

PURPOSE: To evaluate the authors' preliminary experience with use of endovascular methods to treat inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis in patients with IVC filters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Catheter-directed thrombolysis, balloon maceration, mechanical thrombectomy, and stent placement were used to treat 10 patients with thrombosis of filter-bearing IVCs causing symptoms in 18 limbs. Procedural challenges, technical and clinical success, complications, postprocedural filter status, and postprocedural pulmonary embolism (PE) prophylaxis were monitored. RESULTS: Technical and clinical success were achieved in 15 of 18 (83%) and 14 of 18 symptomatic limbs (78%), respectively. Major bleeding (muscular hematoma) occurred in one patient (10%). Postprocedural PE prophylaxis included anticoagulation (n = 8) and placement of a new filter into a newly placed Wallstent (n = 1). During clinical follow-up, no clinically detectable PE was observed. Data pertaining to late limb status were available at a median of 19 months (range 1-46 months) follow-up in seven patients: three patients were asymptomatic, two patients had ambulatory edema only, one patient had constant mild edema, and one patient had constant severe edema. Postprocedural filter stability was radiographically documented at a median of 255 days (range, 4-1021 d) of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Endovascular recanalization of the occluded IVC is feasible even in the presence of an IVC filter.     

Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy combined with catheter-directed thrombolysis in the treatment of symptomatic lower extremity deep venous thrombosis

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) combined with catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in the treatment of massive symptomatic lower limb deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

Materials and methods

One hundred and three clinically confirmed DVT patients were discharged from our institution. Sixteen patients with massive lower limb DVT were included in this retrospective study. After prophylactic placement of inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs), percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (ATD, n = 10; Straub, n = 6) and catheter-directed thrombolysis were performed in all patients. Complementary therapy included percutaneous transluminal venous angioplasty (PTA, n = 3) and stent placement (n = 1). The doses of thrombolytic agents, length of hospital stay, peri-procedure complications and discharge status were reviewed. Oral anticoagulation was continued for at least 6 months during follow-up.

Results

The average hospital stay was 7 days. The technical success rate (complete and partial lysis of clot) was 89%, the other 11% patients only achieved less than 50% clot lysis. The mean dose of urokinase was 3.3 million IU. There were no significant differences of clinical outcome between the ATD and Straub catheter group. The only major complication was an elderly male who experienced a fatal intracranial hemorrhage while still in the hospital (0.97%, 1/103). Minor complications consisted of three instances of subcutaneous bleeding. No transfusions were required. Vascular patency was achieved in 12 limbs during follow-up. No pulmonary emboli occurred. There is one recurrent DVT 4.5 months after the treatment.

Conclusions

Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy combined with catheter-directed thrombolysis is an effective and safe method for the treatment of symptomatic DVT. A randomized prospective study is warranted.