Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
06:57

Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Published on: September 13, 2020

Outcome after thrombolysis and selective thoracic outlet decompression for primary axillary vein thrombosis

R Lokanathan1, A J Salvian, J C Chen

  • 1Division of Vascular Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

Journal of Vascular Surgery
|April 11, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Thrombolysis and selective thoracic outlet decompression effectively treat primary subclavian-axillary vein thrombosis (SAVT), leading to good functional outcomes. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire is valuable for assessing patient recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Radiology
  • Patient Outcomes

Background:

  • Primary subclavian-axillary vein thrombosis (SAVT) is a serious condition.
  • Current treatment involves thrombolysis and anticoagulation, with thoracic outlet decompression reserved for select cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review functional outcomes of patients treated for SAVT.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of thrombolysis and selective thoracic outlet decompression.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 28 patients treated for SAVT over 10 years.
  • Diagnosis confirmed by venography.
  • Functional outcomes assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.

Main Results:

  • 25 patients received thrombolysis; 12 underwent angioplasty for residual stenosis.
  • Two patients had decompressive surgery.
  • At a mean follow-up of 2.9 years, 28% were symptom-free, 62% had mild symptoms, and 20% reported work difficulties.

Conclusions:

  • Thrombolysis with selective thoracic outlet decompression is a viable therapeutic approach for SAVT with acceptable morbidity.
  • The DASH questionnaire is a useful tool for evaluating SAVT treatment outcomes.
Abstract

More Related Videos

New Thrombectomy Technique for Total Portal Vein Thrombosis in Liver Transplantation08:45

New Thrombectomy Technique for Total Portal Vein Thrombosis in Liver Transplantation

Published on: June 27, 2025

Upper-extremity Approach for Secondary Access in Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation06:04

Upper-extremity Approach for Secondary Access in Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Published on: August 8, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management01:23

Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management

During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...
Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:26

Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Varicose veins, or varicosities, develop when the valves in the veins, which control blood flow, weaken or damage. It causes blood to pool and the veins to enlarge. Understanding the clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and management options for varicose veins is crucial for effective treatment and relief.Clinical manifestationsClinical manifestations of varicose veins include a heavy, achy feeling or pain after prolonged standing or sitting. This discomfort can often be relieved by...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...