Evaluation of catheter directed thrombolytic therapy versus systemic anticoagulant therapy of acute ilio-femoral deep vein thrombosis

Abstract

eep venous thrombosis is a quite common disease with serious clinical sequelae. It is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality all over the world. It can lead to pulmonary embolism in the short term and chronic venous insufficiency (post-thrombotic syndrome) in the long term. PE is one of the commonest causes of sudden or very rapid death before any treatment is effective. In our trial, catheter directed infusion of thrombolytic drug into acute lower extremity DVT is a potentially attractive form of therapy because it eliminate completely the cause of PE; it could provide the opportunity for prompt rapid restoration of venous patency and preservation of venous valve function. It seems to be the ideal method of treatment of acute DVT and prevention of its serious complications. The rationale for CDT is based on delivery of the thrombolytic agent directly into the thrombus is the safest and most effective manner which offers substantial advantages over systemic administration of a thrombolytic agent by focusing the delivery of higher concentrations of the drug, lysis rates can be improved, the duration of treatment can be reduced and complications associated with the exposure of the patient to systemic thrombolytic therapy may be reduced.