Catheter-directed thrombectomy and thrombolysis for symptomatic lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis: review of current interventional treatment strategies.

Deep vein thromboses (DVT) along with its clinical sequelae represent a major health care challenge in our society. An acute massive DVT can result in pulmonary embolism resulting in sudden death. Although oral or systemic anticoagulation therapy may minimize thrombus propagation, it remains ineffective in removing thrombus burden and consequently does not prevent postthrombotic syndrome. Recent advances in catheter-based interventions have led to the development of a variety of minimally invasive endovascular strategies to remove venous thrombi. These technologies use various principles, including catheter-directed thrombolytic infusion, rheolytic thrombectomy, mechanical fragmentation, or ultrasound energy to remove intraluminal thrombi. This article reviews the current advances in this technology and discusses the techniques of percutaneous treatment strategies of venous thrombotic conditions using various devices, including the AngioJet Power Pulse system, Trellis, and ultrasound-accelerated EkoSonic system. Finally, the authors' institutional experiences using these interventional treatment strategies in patients with acute and chronic DVT are discussed.