Outcome of endovascular treatment in postthrombotic syndrome

Ann Vasc Surg. 2014 Aug;28(6):1493-500. doi: 10.1016/j.avsg.2014.03.031. Epub 2014 Apr 13.

Abstract

Background: The postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a chronic complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) that is characterized by leg swelling and ulceration.

Methods: Sixty-seven cases of PTS underwent attempted endovascular treatment with success in 63 between June 2005 and June 2012. Thirty-six cases underwent endovascular treatment only and 18 cases combined with temporary femoral arteriovenous fistula, 5 cases great saphenous vein ligation and stripping whereas 4 cases with communicating branch ligation around ulcers.

Results: Stenting was successfully performed in 63 of 67 patients. The technical success rate was 94% with no mortality. Fifty-eight cases were followed up from 1 to 84 months. Stent occlusion or restenosis occurred in 17 patients. The primary and secondary patency rates were 87.9% and 93.1%, respectively, at 12 months and 70.7% and 82.8%, respectively, at 36 months.

Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of PTS is safe and effective. It can alleviate symptoms and prevent further deterioration of patients with PTS.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Constriction, Pathologic
  • Endovascular Procedures* / adverse effects
  • Endovascular Procedures* / instrumentation
  • Female
  • Femoral Artery / surgery
  • Femoral Vein / surgery
  • Humans
  • Ligation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postthrombotic Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Postthrombotic Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Postthrombotic Syndrome / surgery
  • Postthrombotic Syndrome / therapy*
  • Radiography, Interventional
  • Recurrence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Saphenous Vein / surgery
  • Stents
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Patency
  • Young Adult