Rationale and indications for aggressive early thrombus removal

Randomized clinical trials have defined anticoagulation with unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin followed by warfarin as a standard therapy for acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Such treatment is highly effective in preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism with a low risk of bleeding, but provides imperfect protection against development of the post-thrombotic syndrome. Several strategies of early thrombus removal, including surgical venous thrombectomy, catheter-directed thrombolysis and pharmacomechanical thrombectomy have been developed with the goal of reducing the incidence of the post-thrombotic syndrome by restoring venous patency and preserving valvular function. Although clinical judgement and a consideration of the individual patient's medical condition and values are required, early thrombus removal strategies should be considered in selected patients with phlegmasia cerulea dolens and those with a first episode of acute iliofemoral thrombosis of less than 14 days duration.