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Published on: June 4, 2021
Endovascular therapies to treat iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis
1Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, The John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA. sjenkins@ochsner.org
Insights
Iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT), affecting major leg veins, has a worse prognosis than other proximal DVT. This review examines anatomical factors, data, and treatment options for iliofemoral DVT.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) classification traditionally distinguishes proximal and distal disease.
- Proximal DVT is further categorized into iliofemoral DVT (IFDVT) involving the iliac and/or common femoral veins, and other proximal DVTs.
- IFDVT represents a more severe obstructive process with a poorer prognosis compared to other proximal DVTs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the anatomical underpinnings of the worse prognosis associated with IFDVT.
- To examine existing data supporting the prognostic differences between IFDVT and other proximal DVTs.
- To review current anticoagulation and catheter-based treatment strategies for IFDVT, evaluating their supporting evidence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of anatomical factors.
- Examination of clinical data and prognostic studies related to lower extremity DVT.
- Review of current therapeutic guidelines and evidence for IFDVT management.
Main Results:
- Anatomical involvement of the iliac and common femoral veins in IFDVT leads to significant venous obstruction.
- Data confirms a worse prognosis for IFDVT, including higher risks of post-thrombotic syndrome and recurrence.
- Altered risk-benefit profiles necessitate distinct management considerations for IFDVT compared to other proximal DVTs.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the anatomical basis of IFDVT is crucial for risk stratification.
- Evidence supports distinct therapeutic approaches for IFDVT, including consideration of advanced interventions.
- Optimized management strategies for IFDVT aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce long-term complications.
Abstract:
Lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has traditionally been divided into proximal and distal DVT. Proximal DVT is further subdivided into iliofemoral DVT, involving the common femoral vein and/or iliac vein, and represents an obstructive disease process with a worse prognosis than proximal DVT without involvement of these large draining veins. The anatomical reasons will be explored, and the data supporting these findings will be examined. Because iliofemoral DVT portends a worse prognosis in patients with lower extremity DVT, the risk-benefit profile is altered compared with proximal DVT without involvement of the common femoral or iliac draining veins. The initial anticoagulation management and catheter-based, invasive therapies currently available for treatment of iliofemoral DVT will be described, and the data supporting these techniques will be examined.
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