Catheter-directed thrombolysis of deep vein thrombosis: literature review and practice considerations

Is variation in posterior tibial veins a risk factor for deep-vein thrombosis?

INTRODUCTION

This study proposes variations in the posterior tibial vein as one of the risk factors for deep-vein thrombosis. Understanding the anatomical classification of the posterior tibial vein would guide the antegrade approach of catheter-directed thrombolysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred thirty-four legs from Korean and Thai cadavers were dissected. The posterior tibial veins were classified into four types according to the number of proximal and distal veins.

RESULTS

The most common type was type Ia (64/134), followed by type IIa (28/134), type Ib (24/134), and type IIb (16/134).

CONCLUSIONS

The anterior tibial and fibular veins had exactly two paired veins; however, the posterior tibial vein had many variations. We assume that patients with type IIb and IIa have a higher risk of thrombosis and hidden symptoms due to collateral formation. Additionally, the classification of the posterior tibial vein and dividing into proximal and distal posterior tibial vein would help practitioners predict the course and guide the application of catheter-directed thrombolysis.

The perplexity of catheter-directed thrombolysis for deep venous thrombosis: the approaches play an important role

The recent adjunctive catheter-directed thrombolysis (ATTRACT) trial rose a controversy about the treatment effect of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in deep venous thrombosis (DVT). In fact, most studies including the ATTRACT trial did not perform subgroup analysis of catheterization approaches. Different approaches would confound the conclusions. Therefore, a single-center retrospective analysis was performed to compare the differences between the antegrade (AGA) and retrograde (RGA) approaches. Total 217 DVT patients treated with CDT were enrolled from January 2010 to December 2017, with mean age of 55.3 years (67 received antegrade approach, 150 received retrograde approach). The clot burden reduction by segment was evaluated. The mean access establishment time and thrombolytic time were compared. The patency of the iliofemoral vein at 6 months was evaluated. The rate of PTS, quality of life and venous insufficiency were assessed at 1 year. AGA group showed better thrombolytic effect in popliteal and femoral vein than RGA group. The rate of iliofemoral clot burden reduction in RGA group was mostly at Grade II, while most were at Grade III in AGA group. The retrograde approach showed better thrombolysis effect in iliofemoral DVT than popliteal to iliac DVT. The RGA group reported longer mean access establishment time (5.4 ± 1.8 vs 27.0 ± 7.5 min, p < 0.001) and thrombolytic time (6.9 ± 1.5 days vs 6.8 ± 1.5 days, p = 0.586). At 6 months, RGA group had a lower rate of femoral vein patency (52.0% vs 89.6%, p < 0.001) and a higher rate of venous insufficiency (52.0% vs 29.9%, p < 0.001), compared with AGA group. Although there was no difference in the rate of PTS, the RGA group showed higher Villalta scores in the free and mild PTS. The antegrade approach was preferably recommended over the retrograde approach for CDT treatment.

Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens: A Life-Threatening Manifestation of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is a common condition encounter by hospitalists and managed by either oral or intravenous anti-coagulation. Although uncommon, phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) is a life-threatening manifestation of acute deep vein thrombosis requiring early recognition and aggressive intervention to preserve life and limb. PCD is characterized by marked swelling of the lower extremities with pain and cyanosis, which often leads to gangrene and amputation. We present the case of a patient who developed PCD of her left lower extremity who was successfully treated with an EkoSonic™ endovascular catheter (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA), which accelerates lytic dispersion of the thrombolytic drug through ultrasound technology.

Percutaneous Thrombectomy with the JETi8 Peripheral Thrombectomy System for the Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the JETi8 peripheral thrombectomy system in treating acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in 18 consecutive patients (mean age, 41 years old [range, 15-74 years old]; 5 men and 13 women). There were 21 instances of DVTs (9 iliofemoral, 10 axillosubclavian, and 2 portal), which were treated using the JETi8 thrombectomy device between November 2016 and July 2018. Thrombus was laced with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-TPA) (9.3 mg, on average; range, 2-12 mg) in 17 procedures (81%) prior to thrombectomy. Technical success was defined as restoration of antegrade flow using the JETi8 with or without additional treatment of an underlying obstructive lesion. Procedural success was defined as technical success with or without the addition of overnight catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) RESULTS: Mean procedure time was 83 minutes (range, 30-160 minutes), and mean thrombus reduction with the JETi8 alone was 92% (range, 60%-100%). Stent placement was required in 6 procedures (29%). Technical success using the JETi8 system alone was 76% (16 of 21 procedures), whereas 5 procedures (24%) required subsequent overnight CDT in the intensive care unit. Procedural success rate was 100% (20 of 20 procedures). Mean aspirated volume was 531 mL (range, 250-1,230 mL). The only adverse event was a subsegmental pulmonary embolism. Seven patients (33%) were discharged the same day. Recurrent thrombosis was observed in 5 patients (24%), of whom 3 were successfully treated with the JETi8 system.

CONCLUSIONS

The JETi8 system may be a safe and effective option for thrombectomy of acute DVT.

Catheter-Directed Thrombectomy for Highly Symptomatic Patients with Iliofemoral Deep Venous Thrombosis not Responsive to Conservative Treatment

PURPOSE

The use of pharmacomechanical thrombectomy in patients with symptomatic iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) not responsive to conservative treatment is under-investigated until now. This prompted us to review and analyze our results (technical/clinical outcome, complications) and compare them to the current literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2013 and 2019, 19 patients (14 women and 5 men; mean age: 41.2 years, SD: 18.2) with iliofemoral DVT and excessive pain not responsive to conservative treatment were treated with pharmacomechanical thrombectomy. Patients were followed up for 12 months. Demographics, technical success and clinical outcome data (pain score/Villalta score) were collected.

RESULTS

Thrombectomy ± thrombolysis was successful in all cases (n = 19). No major complications were observed. Eight out of nineteen cases developed hematoma at the sheath insertion site not requiring further treatment. Seven out of nineteen cases required additional continuous lysis for complete iliofemoral clot solution. All patients received balloon angioplasty to treat post-thrombotic strictures. In 16/19 cases, stents were placed to preserve iliofemoral caliber and maintain unrestricted iliac venous outflow. Three patients (16%) required re-intervention due to re-thrombosis or in-stent stenosis after 4, 14 days and 4 months, respectively. Symptoms could be improved temporarily or indefinitely in 19 out of 19 patients. 1 year following thrombectomy mean pain score was reduced by 87%, mean Villalta score was 2.6 (SD: 4), and iliofemoral veins were patent in 15/17 patients.

CONCLUSION

In symptomatic patients with iliofemoral DVT, refractory to conservative treatment, catheter-directed thrombectomy enables rapid and long-lasting pain relief. High patency rates can be achieved in patients receiving PTA and venous stenting post-thrombectomy.

Gastrointestinal Malignancies and Venous Thromboembolic Disease: Clinical Significance and Endovascular Interventions

Gastrointestinal malignancy encompasses a wide range of disease processes. Its incidence and mortality rate rank among the highest of all cancers. Venous thromboembolic disease is a common complication of gastrointestinal malignancy. Anticoagulation remains the first-line therapy. However, for patients who cannot tolerate or have failed anticoagulation, inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement may be an option. Furthermore, to improve symptom resolution and reduce the severity of postthrombotic syndrome, catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) may be an option. Recent randomized trials including the ATTRACT (Acute Venous Thrombosis: Thrombus Removal with Adjunctive Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis) trial have shed new light on the efficacy and safety of CDT and related methods. Overall, the decision to proceed with IVC filter placement or CDT must be individualized.

Postpartum inferior vena cava thrombosis treated by endovascular suction thrombectomy utilizing veno-venous extracorporeal circulation

Vena cava thrombosis arising from ovarian vein thrombosis in the postpartum period is a challenging clinical problem with limited treatment options. We describe the first reported use of veno-venous extracorporeal circulation and endovascular suction thrombectomy to treat inferior vena cava thrombosis in a postpartum patient.

Safety, procedural success and outcome of the Aspirex®S endovascular thrombectomy system in the treatment of iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis – data from the Arnsberg Aspirex registry

Summary. Background: Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) represents a treatment option in addition to conventional therapy for patients with iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT). We sought to determine the safety, patency and short-term outcome of the Aspirex®S catheter as a rotational mechanical thrombectomy device in the endovascular treatment of iliofemoral DVT. Patients and methods: 56 patients (66 % female, median age 51 years) undergoing mechanical thrombectomy with the Aspirex®S catheter for endovascular treatment of iliofemoral DVT were included in the analysis. Device- and procedure-related complications, prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and patency rates were determined at baseline and at 1, 6 and 12 months after intervention. Results: No device-related complications or malfunction occurred. Procedure-related complications (rehospitalization, re-occlusion of target vein, prolonged hospitalization resulting from access site complication) were seen in 14 % of patients. PMT was followed by implantation of a dedicated venous stent in all patients. Low PTS reflected by a revised venous clinical severity score (rVCSS) of < 3 and a clinical, etiologic, anatomic and pathophysiologic (CEAP) score of < 3 were achieved in 64 % of the patients at 12 months. Patency was 95 % after 1 month, 94 % after 6 months and 87 % after 12 months. Conclusions: Even though long-term studies are missing, PMT of iliofemoral DVT using the Aspirex®S rotational thrombectomy device as a standalone approach exhibited an excellent patency at short term associated with substantial prevention of moderate to severe PTS and low device-related complications including bleeding.

Fibrinolysis and Inflammation in Venous Thrombus Resolution

Clinical observations and accumulating laboratory evidence support a complex interplay between coagulation, inflammation, innate immunity and fibrinolysis in venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTE, which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and the subsequent complications of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in patients. Clinical risk factors for VTE include cancer, major trauma, surgery, sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease, paralysis, prolonged periods of immobility, and aging. Abnormalities in venous blood flow or stasis initiates the activation of endothelial cells, and in concert with platelets, neutrophils and monocytes, propagates VTE in an intact vein. In addition, inflammatory cells play crucial roles in thrombus recanalization and restoration of blood flow via fibrinolysis and vascular remodeling. Faster resolution of the thrombus is key for improved disease prognosis. While in the clinical setting, anticoagulation therapy is successful in preventing propagation of venous thrombi, current therapies are not designed to inhibit inflammation, which can lead to the development of PTS. Animal models of DVT have provided many insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the formation, propagation, and resolution of venous thrombi as well as the roles of key components of the fibrinolytic system in these processes. Here, we review the recent advances in our understanding of fibrinolysis and inflammation in the resolution of VTE.

Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in Acute Iliofemoral Deep Vein Thrombosis with or without Stenting: A Case Series

Iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (IFDVT) is a potentially devastating condition comprising a quarter of all cases of lower extremity DVT. It can lead to serious consequences such as pulmonary embolism, limb malperfusion, and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), which is a chronic sequela of IFDVT. We herewith present 18 IFDVT cases managed with catheter-directed thrombolysis at our hospital. Nine of these patients underwent stenting of the involved iliac veins. The remaining 9, who did not receive stenting, had a residual stenosis of more than 50% in the common femoral or iliac veins following the procedure. Based on a final residual stenosis of less than 50% in the iliac veins, we had 9 successful (patients with stenting) and 9 unsuccessful procedures (patients without stenting). In subsequent follow-ups at a median follow-up of 39.5 months, using the Villalta score, while only 2 out of the 9 patients who underwent stenting suffered PTS, 4 patients among the other 9 patients comprising the non-stenting group developed PTS. Our results support the notion that stenting might have a role in decreasing the PTS risk in patients undergoing catheter-directed thrombolysis.