Late results of iliofemoral venous thrombectomy

Seizures, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary emboli in a severe case of May–Thurner syndrome: a case report

Background

May–Thurner syndrome is a vascular disorder caused by the right common iliac artery compressing the left common iliac vein against the lumbar spine, causing distal venous stasis and potentially leading to fibrous change in the venous wall structure. Although May–Thurner syndrome is most commonly discovered in females upon investigation of new-onset deep vein thrombosis, we present the case of an otherwise healthy 29-year-old male with severe May–Thurner syndrome who presented with seizures, bilateral deep vein thrombosis, and diffuse pulmonary emboli. Seizures constituted the earliest presenting symptoms for the patient. Although it is difficult to prove that the patient’s seizures were related to the May–Thurner syndrome, this possible association renders this case extraordinary.

Case presentation

This report describes the case of a 29-year-old previously healthy white male with a severe case of left-sided May–Thurner syndrome that required extensive medical and interventional treatment. The patient experienced two seizures, one month apart, both of which occurred while residing at high altitude. The patient had no prior history of seizures, and epilepsy was ruled out. Three weeks after the second seizure, he presented to the emergency room with hemoptysis, dyspnea, and severe leg pain. Sites of thrombus were confirmed in both legs and diffusely in the lungs. Etiological work-up after treatment with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator revealed May–Thurner syndrome. Hematology workup including genetic testing showed no evidence of coagulopathy. Bilateral common iliac venous stents were placed to attempt definitive treatment. Despite stenting, the patient had another thrombotic event with associated sequelae after discontinuation of anticoagulation. The patient has not had another seizure since the stents were placed. Despite the negative testing, the patient remains on lifelong chemoprophylaxis in the event of an undiscovered hypercoagulopathy.

Conclusions

The care team theorizes that the seizures resulted from hypoxia due to May–Thurner syndrome-induced hemostasis and associated thrombotic events, the high-altitude location of his residence at the time he experienced the seizures, and shallow breathing during sleep. For patients with lower limb venous thrombosis, May–Thurner syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Endovascular treatment followed by extended prophylactic anticoagulation therapy until the patient is determined to be no longer at risk for thrombosis is recommended. Post-venoplasty thrombosis is a common complication of endovascular treatment of May–Thurner syndrome and should be carefully monitored.

Post-thrombotic Syndrome: Preventative and Risk Reduction Strategies Following Deep Vein Thrombosis

Venous disease is common in the general population, with chronic venous disorders affecting 50–85% of the western population and consuming 2–3% of healthcare funding. It, therefore, represents a significant socioeconomic, physical and psychological burden. Acute deep vein thrombosis, although a well-recognised cause of death through pulmonary embolism, can more commonly lead to post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). This article summarises the pathophysiology and risk factor profile of PTS, and highlights various strategies that may reduce the risk of PTS, and the endovenous management of iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis. The authors summarise the advances in PTS risk reduction strategies and present the latest evidence for discussion.

In vitro investigation of a new thrombus aspiration and autologous blood reinfusion system

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of a new venous-thrombus aspiration and autologous blood (auto-blood) reinfusion system.

Materials and methods

We constructed the venous model from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes and three-way unions using a fresh clot of chicken blood as the venous thrombus. Eight French and 12F aspiration catheters were used to aspirate the thrombus in the right–pulmonary-artery model, 8 French and 14F aspiration catheters were used in the inferior–vena cava model, and 8 French and 10F aspiration catheters were used in the left–iliofemoral-vein model. A thrombus filtration and auto-blood reinfusion bottle was used to filter the thrombus and re-infuse auto-blood. We evaluated the thrombus aspiration capability of each catheter by comparing pre-aspirated with the post-aspirated thrombus volume, and we evaluated the difference in aspiration capability between the two catheters in each model by comparing their thrombus aspiration rates. We used Student's t-test for statistical analysis.

Results

Differences between pre-aspirated and post-aspirated thrombus volumes for each catheter were insignificant, as were those between the thrombus aspiration rates of the two catheters in each venous model. Using the thrombus aspiration and auto-blood reinfusion system, each aspiration catheter could fluently aspirate the thrombus out of the venous model.

Conclusion

In this study, we designed a new venous-thrombus aspiration system. This system could be used to aspirate acute venous thrombi and re-infuse autologous blood.

All-cause and disease-related health care costs associated with recurrent venous thromboembolism

It was the objective of this study to quantify the risk of complications and the incremental health care costs associated with recurrent VTE events. Health care insurance claims from the Ingenix IMPACT database from 01/2004−09/2008 were analysed. Subjects aged ≥18 years on the date of first recurrent VTE diagnosis with ≥12 months of baseline observation prior to the index recurrent VTE were matched 1:1 with no-recurrent VTE patients based on propensity scores. The risk of developing post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and other disease-related diagnoses (thrombocytopenia, superficial venous thrombosis, venous ulcer, pulmonary hypertension, stasis dermatitis, and venous insufficiency) was compared between the recurrent and no-recurrent VTE groups for up to one year. All-cause and disease-related costs per patient per year (PPPY) were calculated. The recurrent VTE and no-recurrent VTE cohorts (8,001 subjects in each group) were matched with respect to age, gender, and comorbidities. The risk ratios (RRs) indicated that the risk of developing post-event complications was significantly higher for the recurrent VTE group compared to the no-recurrent VTE group (RR [95% CI]: PTS: 2.7 [2.4 − 2.9], p-value <0.01). Patients with recurrent VTE had significantly higher average PPPY all-cause costs compared to no-recurrent VTE patients ($86,744 versus $37,525, cost difference: $49,219 [€33,617]; 95% CI= 46,253−51,989). Corresponding disease-related health care costs PPPY were also significantly higher for the recurrent VTE group ($11,120 vs $1,262, cost difference: $9,858 [€6,733]; 95% CI= $9,081-$10,476). In conclusion, in this large matched-cohort study, recurrent VTE patients had significantly higher risk of complications and health care costs compared to no-recurrent VTE patients.

Note: Parts of this manuscript were presented at the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Annual Meeting 2012, October 21–24, Hollywood, Florida and at the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) 18th Annual International Meeting 2013, May 18–22, New Orleans, LA, USA.

Management of Cavoatrial Deep Venous Thrombosis: Incorporating New Strategies

Cavoatrial deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is diagnosed with increasing prevalence. It can be managed medically with anticoagulation or with directed interventions aimed to efficiently reduce the thrombus burden within the target venous segment. The type of management chosen depends greatly on the etiology and chronicity of the thrombosis, existing patient comorbidities, and the patient's tolerance to anticoagulants and thrombolytic agents. In addition to traditional percutaneous catheter-based pharmacomechanical thrombolysis, other catheter-based suction thrombectomy techniques have emerged in recent years. Each therapeutic modality requires operator expertise and a coordinated care paradigm to facilitate successful outcomes. Open surgical thrombectomy is alternatively reserved for specific patient conditions, including intolerance of anticoagulation, failed catheter-based interventions, or acute emergencies.

Multimodal Therapy for Acute and Chronic Venous Thrombotic and Occlusive Disease

Critical deep venous thrombosis and occlusion constitutes a small percentage of patients with venous disease. However, these patients exhibit severe symptomatology including pain and extensive edema that may progress to limb-or life-threatening complications such as phlegmasia cerulea dolens and superior vena cava syndrome. This paper reviews the different multimodal percutaneous interventions currently available for the treatment of complex critical venous thrombotic and occlusive disease.

Endoluminal Recanalization in a Patient with Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens Using a Multimodality Approach

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is a limb-threatening form of deep venous thrombosis and should be treated aggressively. The authors report a patient who presented with iliocaval and femoral deep venous thrombosis and posed an additional therapeutic challenge based on a recent history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Catheter-directed pharmacologic thrombolysis and balloon venoplasty were applied in treatment. The direct thrombin inhibitor argatroban was used in place of heparin for concurrent anticoagulation. This multimodality endovascular approach (chemical and mechanical interventions) was successful in relieving the venous occlusion and salvaging the limb, while maintaining appropriate treatment for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Symptomatic iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis treated with hybrid operative thrombectomy

During the past 15 years, strategies that promote immediate and complete thrombus removal have gained popularity for the treatment of acute-onset iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis. In this case report, we describe a novel operative approach to venous thrombus removal known as hybrid operative thrombectomy. The technique employs a direct inguinal approach with concomitant retrograde advancement of a balloon catheter by femoral venotomy. Moreover, it provides effective thrombus removal through a single incision, with or without stent placement, and has the advantage of a completion venogram.

Histological study on the left common iliac vein spur

The spur occasionally seen in a left common iliac vein was investigated by anatomical and histological examination of cadavers so the occurrence mechanism could be discussed. Spurs were found in six cases of the 28 cadavers (21.4%) and they were classified into few different kinds of composition of endosporia, tunica media and adventitia. It is considered that there may be different formation mechanisms and stages even in cases of similar anatomical finding. (English translation of J Jpn Coll Angiol 2013; 53: 43-47).

Antithrombotic therapy for venous thromboembolic disease: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (8th Edition)

This chapter about treatment for venous thromboembolic disease is part of the American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (8th Edition). Grade 1 recommendations are strong and indicate that the benefits do or do not outweigh risks, burden, and costs. Grade 2 suggests that individual patient values may lead to different choices (for a full understanding of the grading, see "Grades of Recommendation" chapter). Among the key recommendations in this chapter are the following: for patients with objectively confirmed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), we recommend anticoagulant therapy with subcutaneous (SC) low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), monitored IV, or SC unfractionated heparin (UFH), unmonitored weight-based SC UFH, or SC fondaparinux (all Grade 1A). For patients with a high clinical suspicion of DVT or PE, we recommend treatment with anticoagulants while awaiting the outcome of diagnostic tests (Grade 1C). For patients with confirmed PE, we recommend early evaluation of the risks to benefits of thrombolytic therapy (Grade 1C); for those with hemodynamic compromise, we recommend short-course thrombolytic therapy (Grade 1B); and for those with nonmassive PE, we recommend against the use of thrombolytic therapy (Grade 1B). In acute DVT or PE, we recommend initial treatment with LMWH, UFH or fondaparinux for at least 5 days rather than a shorter period (Grade 1C); and initiation of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) together with LMWH, UFH, or fondaparinux on the first treatment day, and discontinuation of these heparin preparations when the international normalized ratio (INR) is > or = 2.0 for at least 24 h (Grade 1A). For patients with DVT or PE secondary to a transient (reversible) risk factor, we recommend treatment with a VKA for 3 months over treatment for shorter periods (Grade 1A). For patients with unprovoked DVT or PE, we recommend treatment with a VKA for at least 3 months (Grade 1A), and that all patients are then evaluated for the risks to benefits of indefinite therapy (Grade 1C). We recommend indefinite anticoagulant therapy for patients with a first unprovoked proximal DVT or PE and a low risk of bleeding when this is consistent with the patient's preference (Grade 1A), and for most patients with a second unprovoked DVT (Grade 1A). We recommend that the dose of VKA be adjusted to maintain a target INR of 2.5 (INR range, 2.0 to 3.0) for all treatment durations (Grade 1A). We recommend at least 3 months of treatment with LMWH for patients with VTE and cancer (Grade 1A), followed by treatment with LMWH or VKA as long as the cancer is active (Grade 1C). For prevention of postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) after proximal DVT, we recommend use of an elastic compression stocking (Grade 1A). For DVT of the upper extremity, we recommend similar treatment as for DVT of the leg (Grade 1C). Selected patients with lower-extremity (Grade 2B) and upper-extremity (Grade 2C). DVT may be considered for thrombus removal, generally using catheter-based thrombolytic techniques. For extensive superficial vein thrombosis, we recommend treatment with prophylactic or intermediate doses of LMWH or intermediate doses of UFH for 4 weeks (Grade 1B).

Late results of surgical venous thrombectomy with iliocaval stenting

PURPOSE

Iliac vein occlusive disease leads to 73% of rethrombosis that occurs after venous thrombectomy when left untreated. The goal of this study is to present our long-term results of stenting of iliocaval occlusive lesions persisting after surgical venous thrombectomy.

METHODS

From November 1995 to April 2007, 29 patients (19 women), with a median age of 38 years, had surgical venous thrombectomy with creation of an arteriovenous fistula and angioplasty and stenting. All were admitted for acute (<10 days) deep venous thrombosis (DVT) involving the iliocaval segment, of which eight had concomitant acute pulmonary embolism. Six patients had a history of DVT (2 with previous venous thrombectomy), two were pregnant, and three had postpartum DVT. No patients had short- or mid-term life-threatening factors. The underlying lesion was left iliocaval compression (May-Thurner syndrome) in 22 patients, chronic left common iliac vein occlusion in 3, residual clot in 3, and compression of the left external iliac vein by the left internal iliac artery in 1.

RESULTS

Neither perioperative death nor pulmonary embolism occurred. Four early complications occurred after stenting (13.8%). Median hospital length of stay was 8 days (range, 5-22 days). Median follow-up was 63 months (range, 2-137 months). Three late complications occurred (10.3 %): one rethrombosis due to stent crushing during pregnancy and two restenosis, which were treated by iterative stenting. At the end of the follow-up, the median venous clinical severity score was 3 (range 1-12) and the venous disability score was 1 (range 0-2). Primary, assisted primary and secondary patency rates were, respectively, 79%, 86%, and 86% at 12, 60, and 120 months. Patients with patent iliocaval segments had significantly fewer infrainguinal obstructive lesions (4% vs 50%) and a higher rate of valvular competence (76% vs 0%) than those who experienced rethrombosis. Venous scores were also worse in patients with rethrombosis.

CONCLUSION

Stenting is a safe, efficient, and durable technique to treat occlusive iliocaval disease after venous thrombectomy. Its use can prevent most of the rethrombosis that occurs after venous thrombectomy without major adverse effects.

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

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.

Thrombosis of the left brachiocephalic vein after subtotal esophagectomy with reconstruction using a retrosternally shifted gastric tube: Report of a case

We performed a right transthoracic subtotal esophagectomy with systemic three-field lymph node dissection, followed by reconstruction with a gastric tube shifted retrosternally into the left side of the neck, for esophageal cancer in a 62-year-old woman. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course until postoperative day (POD) 9, when a venous thrombosis originating from the left brachiocephalic vein and elongating to the left subclavian vein was detected occasionally on computed tomography scans, although there were no clinical symptoms. The left brachiocephalic vein seemed narrowed by compression from the reconstructed gastric tube, and this was considered the cause of the thrombosis. The patient was commenced on thrombolytic therapy, using urokinase, and on anticoagulation therapy, using heparin and warfarin. The thrombus had disappeared completely by POD 38. The anticoagulation therapy was continued for 6 months and no recurrence of the thrombosis has been detected in the 4 months since its completion.

Surgical Thrombectomy Followed by Intraoperative Endovascular Reconstruction for Symptomatic Ilio-femoral Venous Thrombosis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of surgical thrombectomy combined with endovascular reconstruction for acute ilio-femoral/caval venous thrombosis.

METHODS

Twenty consecutive patients with acute, symptomatic ilio-femoral/-caval thrombosis underwent valve-preserving thrombectomy with immediate endovascular repair between October 1996 and October 2003. Thrombectomy was classified by intraoperative venography as: TYPE I=complete, TYPE II=partial, TYPE III=complete with stenosis other than thrombus, TYPE IV=permanent occlusion. TYPEs I and IV were excluded from this analysis because endovascular repair was not performed.

RESULTS

Left-sided venous thrombosis predominated (90%). Lesions were located in the common iliac vein (85%), the external iliac vein (10%), and the inferior vena cava (5%). Three TYPE II lesions and 17 TYPE III lesions (11 spurs, one hypoplasia, one fibrosis, one haematoma, and three others) were diagnosed. Catheter-directed recanalisation (thrombectomy/thrombolysis) resolved TYPE II lesions in three patients. Balloon angioplasty (one patient), iliac stenting (15 patients [two with thrombolysis]), and caval stenting (one patient) were employed in TYPE III stenoses. No serious complication or death occurred. Mean follow-up was 21 months. Of 20 patients clinical results were excellent in 18 patients who maintained patency of their reconstructed iliac veins. Primary and secondary patency rates were 80 and 90%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Ilio-caval venous obstructions detected intraoperatively can be reconstructed in a one-stage combined procedure. The specific endovascular approach depends on the type of residual venous obstruction. Excellent mid-term results indicate that the proposed thrombectomy classification (TYPE I-IV) and treatment algorithm optimises the results in selected patients with symptomatic venous thrombosis.

Iliac compression syndrome and recanalization of femoropopliteal and iliac venous thrombosis: a prospective study with magnetic resonance venography

OBJECTIVES

Poor iliac vein recanalization has been associated with compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery (RCIA/LCIV compression); however, this finding has been difficult to confirm. In a baseline study, RCIA/LCIV compression was detected with magnetic resonance imaging in patients with deep venous thrombosis. We compared recanalization of left femoropopliteal and iliac thrombosis with and without RCIA/LCIV compression.

METHODS

This was a prospective blinded study carried out in a 1355-bed university hospital. Thirty-one patients were recruited from consecutive cohorts of patients with iliofemoral and femoropopliteal DVT who underwent direct thrombus magnetic resonance imaging, venous enhanced peak arterial magnetic resonance venography, and magnetic resonance arteriography as part of the baseline study relating RCIA/LCIV compression to extent of thrombosis. Magnetic resonance venography was performed 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis. Femoropopliteal and iliac venous segments that were occluded at diagnosis were classified as occluded, partially occluded, or patent on follow-up scans.

RESULTS

At 6-week follow-up, recanalization of all segments was incomplete. At both 6-month and 1-year follow-up, recanalization of left iliac segments associated with RCIA/LCIV compression was poorer compared with recanalization of left iliac segments not associated with compression (6 of 6 occluded vs 1 of 6 occluded and 1 of 6 partially occluded at 6 months, P =.015; 6 of 6 occluded vs 5 of 5 patent at 1 year, P = .002). This was due to complete failure of recanalization of left common iliac veins associated with RCIA/LCIV compression in 6 of 6 cases. All other iliac and femoropopliteal segments including left external iliac veins associated with RCIA/LCIV compression had high rates of recanalization at both 6 months and 1 year.

CONCLUSION

RCIA/LCIV compression is associated with persistent occlusion of the left common iliac vein. The recanalization rate for all other femoropopliteal and iliac segments was high.

Invasive approaches to treatment of venous thromboembolism

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs in one-quarter of a million individuals annually in the United States and results in significant disability from pulmonary embolism and chronic venous insufficiency, especially when the proximal iliofemoral is involved. Treatment has centered on early institution of adequate anticoagulation to prevent thrombus propagation and embolism, but anticoagulation alone does not always restore venous patency and many patients are left with venous outflow obstruction and valvular incompetence-the anatomic underpinnings of the postthrombotic syndrome. Various strategies have been used to restore patency of thrombosed veins, including open surgical thrombectomy, pharmacological thrombolysis, and percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy. Each modality has benefits and shortcomings. Surgical thrombectomy had previously been abandoned secondary to poor long-term results. More recently, with improved techniques and better patient selection, surgical thrombectomy has regained a therapeutic role in treating acute DVT in young patients with short segment occlusions. The advent of percutaneous techniques has allowed thrombolysis, percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy, and stenting to be used in conjunction with each other-allowing for better resolution of venous clot burden than when an individual modality is used alone. Practitioners who treat patients with DVT should be familiar with all the options available to restore venous patency, preserve valvular function, and thereby minimize the risk of late postthrombotic complications.

Re-evaluation of iliac compression syndrome using magnetic resonance imaging in patients with acute deep venous thromboses

BACKGROUND

The majority of proximal deep venous thromboses (DVTs) are thought to have propagated as a contiguous column from the calf veins. However, several authors have proposed that ileofemoral DVT commonly originates in the left common iliac vein (LCIV) at a site of compression by the overlying right common iliac artery (RCIA/LCIV compression). This mechanism could explain both the left-sided predominance of ileofemoral DVT and the finding that ileofemoral DVT frequently occurs either in the absence of calf vein thrombosis (isolated ileofemoral DVT) or is not contiguous with calf vein thrombosis (noncontiguous ileofemoral DVT). This mechanism remains unconfirmed.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to detect RCIA/LCIV compression using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging in thrombosed and patent iliac veins, to determine whether RCIA/LCIV compression occurs more frequently in cases of left ileofemoral DVT than other types of DVT, and to determine if RCIA/LCIV compression is specifically associated with left isolated and noncontiguous ileofemoral DVT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective study conducted at the 1355-bed University Hospital included 18 patients with ileofemoral DVT, 23 with femoropopliteal DVT, 15 with isolated calf DVT recruited consecutively, and 28 control patients in whom DVT had been excluded. Interventions included magnetic resonance direct thrombus imaging (MRDTI), venous enhanced peak arterial magnetic resonance venography (VESPA) and magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA) within 48 hours of routine conventional venography (CV). RCIA/LCIV compression of patent LCIVs was assessed using VESPA and MRA; RCIA/LCIV compression of thrombosed LCIVs was assessed using MRDTI and MRA. The extent of calf and popliteal thrombosis was detected using CV; the extent of femoral and iliac thrombosis was detected using VESPA and MRDTI.

RESULTS

RCIA/LCIV compression was more commonly detected in cases of left ileofemoral DVT (9/16 cases) than in cases of left femoropopliteal DVT (1/11 cases; P = .018), right femoropopliteal DVT (2/12 cases; P = .054), left isolated calf DVT (1/9 cases; P = .037), right isolated calf DVT (0/6 cases; P = .046) and control patients (4/28 cases; P = .006). RCIA/LCIV compression was more commonly detected in cases of left isolated ileofemoral DVT (6/6 cases; P = .005), and cases of left noncontiguous ileofemoral DVT (2/2 cases; P = .067) than in cases in which thrombosis was contiguous from the calf to the iliac veins (1/8 cases).

CONCLUSION

RCIA/LCIV compression was strongly associated with left ileofemoral DVT and was specifically associated with cases that involve independent ileofemoral thrombosis.

Combined regional thrombolysis and surgical thrombectomy for treatment of iliofemoral vein thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

In at least half of patients with iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis post-thrombotic syndrome develops when only anticoagulant therapy is given. We combined thrombolysis, applied under ischemic conditions,with surgical thrombectomy to restore patency and valve function. The technique and the short-term and long-term results in 2 patient series are reported.

METHODS

A catheter was inserted into a foot vein of the thrombosed leg, and the limb was excluded from the circulation with a pneumatic cuff placed on the thigh with the patient under general anesthesia. Urokinase (0.5 million-3 million IU) and heparin were infused and allowed to act for 30 minutes while the pelvic axis was cleared with a Fogarty catheter through an inguinal venotomy. The external iliac vein was then clamped and the cuff removed. Thrombi that detached from the wall were flushed out with reactive hyperemia and squeezed out with manual leg compression. The blood was retrieved, washed, and transfused back into the patient. Various additional procedures were performed to secure outflow. Two patient series are reported: 1 with 12 consecutive patients and 1 with 21 patients who were successfully treated 6 to 10 years previously. Follow-up data were obtained for all patients after 1 year and for 18 of 21 patients after 6 to 10 years. Patency and valve function were assessed with duplex scanning or venography. Studies of blood coagulation and the kinetics of urokinase were performed in 5 additional patients.

RESULTS

Vein patency and valve function were restored in all consecutive patients. At 1 year none of the 33 patients had had recurrence, and none showed clinical signs of post-thrombotic syndrome. At 6 to 10 years 3 of 18 patients had experienced another venous thromboembolism, but none in the treated leg. Sixteen legs were asymptomatic without compression therapy, and 2 had venous claudication. Coagulation studies showed a trace concentration of urokinase and a mild decrease in fibrinogen in the systemic circulation. The concentration of urokinase in blood collected from the treated leg was only 1% of that infused.

CONCLUSION

Regional thrombolysis combined with surgical thrombectomy is relatively easy to perform and seems safe. Vein patency and valve function were restored, and post-thrombotic syndrome was prevented. Additional procedures to overcome pelvic vein obstructions were required in 11 of 33 patients (33%). The procedure should be tested against standard anticoagulation therapy in patients with acute iliofemoral thrombosis.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis for deep venous thrombosis

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) represents a significant clinical problem, affecting patients of all age groups, nationalities, and socioeconomic strata. Despite its prevalence, the paradigms for care are largely centered around primary or secondary prophylaxis, with less emphasis on actual treatment of the thrombus. With the recent rapid development of advanced endovascular techniques, it is now feasible to dissolve many thrombi using catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), and favorable clinical experience has been reported in over 600 patients. If performed safely, the purported benefits of CDT for DVT include a decreased incidence of persistent phlebitic symptoms, improved quality of life and, possibly, a decreased incidence of recurrent thrombotic events.

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.

Endovascular management of venous thrombotic and occlusive diseases of the lower extremities

Acute complications of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities include pulmonary embolism and venous ischemia. Delayed complications include a spectrum of debilitating symptoms referred to as postthrombotic syndrome (PST). Anticoagulation therapy is recognized as the mainstay of therapy in acute DVT. However, there are few data to suggest any major beneficial effect on PTS, which is thought to be mediated by valve damage and/or occlusive chronic thrombus and venous scarring. Endovascular catheter-directed thrombolysis techniques with pharmacologic thrombolytic agents, used alone or in combination with mechanical thrombectomy devices, have been proven highly effective in clearing acute DVT, which may allow the preservation of venous valve function and prevention of subsequent venous occlusive disease. Definitive management of underlying anatomic occlusive abnormalities can also be undertaken.

Treatment options for deep venous thrombosis

Once the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has been established the focus shifts to management of the disease. The goals of acute treatment of DVT are several: arrest growth of the thrombus, dissolve or remove the thrombus, and prevent embolizations of the thrombus. Although these goals have remained constant, the initial management of DVT has undergone a series of evolutions during the past decade, affecting both acute treatment and disposition decisions. As this article discusses, emergency medicine is at the cutting edge of these changes.

Iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis: conventional therapy versus lysis and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting

OBJECTIVE

To compare conventional treatment (heparin and warfarin) of iliofemoral venous thrombosis with multimodality treatment (lysis and stenting).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Several studies have reported on conventional therapy for iliofemoral venous thrombosis with disappointing results. However, more recent studies have reported better results with multimodality treatment.

METHODS

Fifty-one consecutive patients with extensive iliofemoral venous thrombosis were treated during a 10-year period. If there were no contraindications, patients were given the option to choose between conventional therapy (group 1) and multimodality therapy (group 2). The multimodality treatment strategy included catheter-directed lysis followed by percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) and stenting for residual iliac stenoses. All patients underwent routine venous duplex imaging at 30 days, 3 months, 6 months, and every 6 months thereafter.

RESULTS

There were 33 patients in group 1 and 18 patients in group 2. Demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable for both groups. Initial lysis was achieved in 16 of 18 patients (89%) in group 2. Ten of 18 patients in group 2 had residual stenosis after lysis (8 primary and 2 secondary to malignancy), and they were treated with PTA/stenting with an initial success rate of 90%. Two patients in group 1 (6%) had a symptomatic pulmonary embolism (none in group 2). At 30 days, venous patency and symptom resolution were achieved in 1 of 33 patients (3%) in group 1 versus 15 of 18 (83%) in group 2. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed primary iliofemoral venous patency rates at 1, 3, and 5 years of 24%, 18%, and 18% and 83%, 69%, and 69% for groups 1 and 2, respectively. Long-term symptom resolution was achieved in 10 of 33 patients (30%) in group 1 versus 14 of 18 (78%) in group 2. Kaplan-Meier life table analysis showed similar survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years of 100%, 93%, and 85% for group 1 and 100%, 93%, and 81% for group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Lysis/stenting treatment was more effective than conventional treatment in patients with iliofemoral vein thrombosis.

Treatment of nonmalignant obstructive iliocaval lesions by stent placement: mid-term results

This report describes mid-term results of endovascular treatment of obstructive iliocaval lesions. Between November 1995 and December 1999, a total of 15 patients were treated by angioplasty and stent placement in the iliac vein. These patients were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of six patients with acute iliofemoral thrombosis of less than 10 days duration, with associated caval involvement in three cases. Angioplasty was performed after surgical thrombectomy, and creation of an arteriovenous fistula as a one-stage procedure in four cases and as a two-stage procedure in two cases. The underlying chronic lesion was stenosis of the left iliocaval junction (Cockett syndrome) in five cases and retroperitoneal fibrosis in one. Group II comprised nine patients with chronic symptomatic stenosis or occlusion. The etiology was Cockett syndrome in seven cases, post-thrombotic syndrome in three cases, including two associated with Cockett syndrome, and retroperitoneal fibrosis in one case. The mean number of stents per patient was 1.5. The mean duration of follow-up was 23.5 months. Evaluation of clinical outcome according to CEAP criteria for chronic syndromes showed significant improvement. Given good mid-term findings, venous angioplasty with stent placement appears to be a safe and effective technique for treatment of acute or chronic obstructive iliocaval lesions.

Percutaneous AngioJet thrombectomy in the management of extensive deep venous thrombosis

PURPOSE

This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) device for rapid thrombus removal following deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Over a 37-month period, 17 patients (14 women; mean age, 41 y +/- 20) with extensive DVT were treated with initial attempts at PMT with use of the AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy device. Sites of venous thrombosis included lower extremities in 14 patients and upper extremity and brachiocephalic veins in three. The etiology for venous thrombosis was malignancy in seven, idiopathic etiology in three, May-Thurner syndrome and immobilization in three each, and oral contraceptive use and hypercoagulable disorder in one each. The primary endpoint was venographic evidence of thrombus extraction. Perioperative complications, mortality, and recurrence-free survival were also evaluated.

RESULTS

After PMT, four of 17 patients (24%) had venographic evidence of >90% thrombus removal, six of 17 (35%) had 50%-90% thrombus removal, and seven of 17 (41%) had <50% thrombus extraction. Adjunctive thrombolytic therapy was used in nine of 13 patients with <90% thrombus extraction by PMT; six patients (35%) had contraindications to pharmacologic thrombolytic therapy. An underlying lesion responsible for the occlusion was uncovered in 10 patients (59%). Significant improvement in clinical symptoms was seen in 14 of 17 patients (82%). No complications were noted directly relating to the use of the AngioJet thrombectomy catheter. None of the patients were lost to follow-up during a mean of 8.9 months +/- 5.3 (range, 2-21 months). At 4 and 11 months, recurrence-free survival rates were 81.6% and 51.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

PMT with adjunctive thrombolytic therapy is a minimally invasive, low-risk therapeutic option in patients with extensive DVT, associated with clinical benefits including thrombus removal, patency, and relief of symptoms.

Mechanical thrombectomy in patients with deep venous thrombosis

PURPOSE

To report our experience with mechanical thrombectomy in proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

METHODS

Eighteen patients with a mean (+/- SD) age of 37.6 +/- 16.1 years who presented with DVT in the iliac and femoral vein (n = 3), inferior vena cava (n = 5), or inferior vena cava and iliac vein (n = 10), were treated with the Amplatz Thrombectomy Device after insertion of a temporary caval filter.

RESULTS

Successful recanalization was achieved in 15 of 18 patients (83%). Overall, the percentage of thrombus removed was 66 +/- 29%: 73 +/- 30% at caval level and 55 +/- 36% at iliofemoral level. Complementary interventions (seven patients) were balloon angioplasty (n = 2), angioplasty and stenting (n = 2), thrombo-aspiration alone (n = 1), thrombo-aspiration, balloon angioplasty, and permanent filter (n = 1), and permanent filter alone (n = 1). There was one in-hospital death. Follow-up was obtained at a mean of 29.6 months; three patients had died (two cancers, one myocardial infarction); 10 had no or minimal sequelae; one had post-phlebitic limb.

CONCLUSION

Mechanical thrombectomy is a potential therapeutic option in patients presenting with proximal DVT.

Current concepts in chronic venous ulceration

OBJECTIVES

despite numerous reports on the distribution of reflux in patients with venous ulceration, there is no consensus on the contribution of each venous system. This study was performed to evaluate the distribution of reflux in this group of patients.

METHODS

a literature search from 1980 to 1998 was performed. Because duplex scanning is the best method for detecting venous reflux, we only included reports that used this diagnostic modality. All studies with less than 30 ulcerated limbs were excluded. Since most reports did not give detailed data on perforator veins, reflux in these veins was combined with the superficial and deep veins. Documented episodes of superficial or deep vein thrombosis were noted.

RESULTS

thirteen studies that included 1249 ulcerated limbs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients was 59 years (95% CI: 54-63, range: 14-93). Reflux was detected in 1153 (92%) of limbs. Reflux confined to the superficial veins alone was seen in 45% of limbs, in the deep veins alone in 12% and in both the superficial and deep veins in 43% of limbs. The overall involvement of the superficial veins was 88% and of the deep veins 56% (p <0. 0001). A documented episode of deep vein thrombosis was reported in only six of the 13 studies and the incidence was found to be 32%.

CONCLUSIONS

reflux in the superficial veins is seen in 88% of limbs with venous ulcers (CEAP classes 5 and 6). Isolated superficial vein incompetence is detected in 45%, while reflux in the deep venous system alone is seen in only 12%. These data have significant clinical implications, since reflux in the superficial system can be easily eliminated by excision of the affected veins.

The post-thrombotic syndrome

One of every three patients with deep-vein thrombosis of the lower extremities will develop, within 5 years, post-thrombotic sequelae that vary from minor signs to severe manifestations such as chronic pain, intractable edema, and leg ulceration. The post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) develops as a result of the combination of venous hypertension due to persistent outflow obstruction or valvular incompetence and abnormal microvasculature or lymphatic function. Among factors potentially related to the development of PTS, recurrent ipsilateral thrombosis plays a major role. Whether the extent and the location of the initial thrombosis are associated with the development of PTS is still controversial. The diagnosis of PTS can be accepted on clinical grounds for patients with a history of venous thrombosis. The combination of a standardized clinical evaluation with the results of compression ultrasonography and Doppler ultrasonography helps diagnose or exclude a previous proximal-vein thrombosis. Prevention of recurrent thrombosis and use of compression elastic stockings are the cornerstones of PTS prevention. The management of this condition is demanding and often frustrating. Although several surgical procedures have been tested, conservative treatment is largely preferable, as more than 50% of patients either remain stable or improve during long-term follow-up, if carefully supervised and instructed to wear proper elastic stockings. Clinical presentation helps predict the prognosis, being the outcome of patients who refer with initially severe manifestations more favorable than that of patients whose symptoms progressively deteriorate over time.

Percutaneous venous thrombectomy with the use of a balloon sheath: first in vitro investigations of a new low-tech concept

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To test mechanical thrombectomy of extensive iliofemoral and iliocaval thrombi in an in vitro flow model with the use of 12F and 18F balloon sheaths.

METHODS

Newly developed 12F and 18F sheaths were evaluated in four vessel models (simulation of femoral, iliofemoral, iliocaval, and caval thrombi by clotted bovine blood in a flow model). After retrograde insertion of the sheath and blocking of the vessel proximal to the thrombus by inflating the balloon, mechanical fragmentation was performed coaxially through the sheath lumen by using a 7F pigtail rotation device. With an occlusion balloon catheter, residual thrombi were withdrawn to the orifice of the sheath and aspirated. Twelve silicone tubes occluded by thrombi were recanalized in each setting. In the latex model, seven recanalizations were performed.

RESULTS

All clots were removed completely within a treatment duration of 2 to 14 minutes. Fluid loss during the procedure was 29.6 to 129.3 mL for the femoral flow model, 61.9 to 137.2 mL for the iliofemoral model, 74.5 to 163.4 mL for the iliocaval model, and 102.7 to 236.7 mL for the caval model. No fragments were washed downstream. In four settings, small residual thrombi were attached to the balloon after deflation of the sheath.

CONCLUSIONS

Clot amounts up to 171 g were removed quickly and completely by using these large-caliber balloon sheaths. Fluid loss from aspiration was negligible. Balloon occlusion prevented embolization of thrombus fragments proximal to the sheath. Further studies are needed to prove the efficacy of this technique in vivo.

Surgical venous thrombectomy

Rehabilitation of the technique of venous thrombectomy is justified, but, in order for this technique to be effective, it must only be performed in selected cases. In the authors' view it is of the utmost value in young patients when the venous thrombosis occurs accidentally, after traumatism or surgery and when a diagnostic is made without delay.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis: report of a national multicenter registry

PURPOSE

To evaluate catheter-directed thrombolysis for treatment of symptomatic lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From a registry of patients (n = 473) with symptomatic lower limb DVT, results of 312 urokinase infusions in 303 limbs of 287 patients (137 male and 150 female patients; mean age, 47.5 years) were analyzed. DVT symptoms were acute (< or = 10 days) in 188 (66%) patients, chronic (> 10 days) in 45 (16%), and acute and chronic in 54 (19%). A history of DVT existed in 90 (31%). Lysis grades were calculated by using venographic results.

RESULTS

Iliofemoral DVT (n = 221 [71%]) and femoral-popliteal DVT (n = 79 [25%]) were treated with urokinase infusions (mean, 7.8 million i.u.) for a mean of 53.4 hours. After thrombolysis, 99 iliac and five femoral vein lesions were treated with stents. Grade III (complete) lysis was achieved in 96 (31%) infusions; grade II (50%-99% lysis), in 162 (52%); and grade I (< 50% lysis), in 54 (17%). For acute thrombosis, grade III lysis occurred in 34% of cases of acute and in 19% of cases of chronic DVT (P < .01). Major bleeding complications occurred in 54 (11%) patients, most often at the puncture site. Six patients (1%) developed pulmonary emboli. Two deaths (< 1%) were attributed to pulmonary embolism and intracranial hemorrhage. At 1 year, the primary patency rate was 60%. Lysis grade was predictive of 1-year patency rate (grade III, 79%; grade II, 58%; grade I, 32%; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Catheter-directed thrombolysis is safe and effective. These data can guide patient selection for this therapeutic technique.

Effects of thrombolysis and venous thrombectomy on valvular competence, thrombogenicity, venous wall morphology, and function

PURPOSE

The experiments were designed to compare the effects of thrombolytic therapy (TL) and balloon-catheter thrombectomy (TX) on valvular competence, thrombogenicity, venous wall morphology, and function after acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in canine veins.

METHODS

The femoral veins of male mongrel dogs were ligated proximally and distally for 48 hours to induce DVT. The thrombosed veins were treated with either TL (n = 5) or TX (n = 9), or no treatment was rendered (n = 6). Sham-operated dogs were used as controls. TL was performed with catheter-directed infusion of urokinase at 4000 U/min for 90 minutes. Three hours after the treatment, the valvular competence was determined with duplex scanning, thrombogenicity determined with deposition of radio-labeled platelet and fibrin, and function determined with response to contractile and relaxing agonists in organ chambers. The structural integrity of the endothelial layer was assessed by means of scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The removal or lysis of the thrombus was successful in all cases. The valvular competence did not differ among the groups. The platelet deposition was the highest after TX (P <.05), and the fibrin deposition was not significantly different among the groups. In the organ chamber experiments, relaxations to adenosine diphosphate and nitric oxide were reduced after TX (P <.05). The contractions to serotonin were enhanced after TX. Scanning electron microscopy results showed a comparable (51% to 75%) endothelial loss with either treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

After experimental acute DVT, the TL and the TX at 3 hours had similar effects on the valvular competence and the endothelial morphology. However, the TL reduced thrombogenicity, which is consistent with the preserved endothelial responses to platelet products. These data suggest that TL may preserve vein function after DVT and may reduce the long-term potential for recurrent DVT and post-thrombotic syndrome.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis in the treatment of phlegmasia cerulea dolens

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is a potentially devastating complication of extensive deep venous thrombosis for which there is currently no consensus for treatment. Heparin anticoagulation, surgical thrombectomy, thrombolytic therapy, fasciotomy, and amputation have each been advocated. We present two cases of phlegmasia cerulea dolens successfully treated with catheter-directed venous thrombolytic therapy.

Left iliac venous thrombosis caused by venous spur: treatment with thrombectomy and stent implantation

PURPOSE

To determine the frequency of iliac venous spurs in left iliofemoral venous thrombosis and to report the results of interventional management of venous spurs after transfemoral venous thrombectomy.

METHODS

From 1990 through 1996, 77 patients with acute iliac venous thrombosis (61 left and 16 right) underwent surgical treatment. Patients with malignant disease were excluded from this series. All patients had transfemoral venous thrombectomy with construction of an inguinal arteriovenous fistula and perioperative anticoagulation with heparin with a switch to warfarin sodium for at least 12 postoperative months. Immediate results of thrombectomy were documented by means of intraoperative completion venography. Arteriovenous fistulas were ligated 3 months after control arteriovenography. Since 1995 venous spurs eventually detected during thrombectomy were treated immediately by means of stent implantation.

RESULTS

Among 61 patients with left-sided thrombosis, intraoperative phlebography revealed common iliac venous obstruction suggestive of venous spurs in 30 patients (49%). In 16 of 22 patients (73%) with untreated spurs, postoperative rethrombosis of the iliac vein was documented despite adequate anticoagulation. Only one of eight patients (13%) with stented spurs had reocclusion (chi2 test P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Venous spurs are found among about half of patients with left-sided iliac venous thrombosis. As long as the underlying venous pathologic process is left untreated, thrombectomy will not restore patency. Stent implantation is a simple and safe means to correct central venous strictures and provides excellent long-term results.

Acute and delayed outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy with use of the steerable Amplatz thrombectomy device in a model of subacute inferior vena cava thrombosis

PURPOSE

To study the efficacy and delayed outcome of mechanical thrombectomy with the Amplatz thrombectomy device (ATD) in an experimental model of subacute inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mechanical thrombectomy was performed in 23 dogs with subacute infrarenal IVC thrombosis (6-15 days old). Heparin was administered during thrombectomy in all procedures (activated clotting time > or = 300 sec). Thirteen animals were killed immediately after thrombectomy, and the remaining 10 were allowed to survive for up to 1 month with no anticoagulation therapy.

RESULTS

Venographic patency of the IVC was restored in all animals, although residual mural thrombus remained in nine dogs (< 20% narrowing in seven, 20%-30% narrowing in two). No histopathologic evidence of mechanical wall disruption attributed to mechanical thrombectomy was seen. However, foci of organizing residual thrombus with associated transmural phlebitic changes with round-cellular infiltration were present in all acute specimens, including those appearing clear at venography. Venography at 1 week or 1 month after thrombectomy showed IVC rethrombosis in eight dogs (80%) who were not receiving anticoagulants. During mechanical thrombectomy, a small increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure occurred, with a corresponding decrease in systemic arterial oxygen saturation. No acute emboli were noted on the post-thrombectomy pulmonary angiograms. However, histopathologic examination of acutely explanted lungs in 11 animals showed arteriolar microemboli (100-500 microm) in four.

CONCLUSION

Mechanical thrombectomy with use of the ATD can effectively clear subacute IVC thrombus. However, rethrombosis is common and may be due to the high prevalence of phlebitis and residual thrombus. Anticoagulation may need to be continued after successful thrombectomy to prevent progression of residual thrombus and allow mural phlebitic changes to subside.