Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

An In vitro System to Gauge the Thrombolytic Efficacy of Histotripsy and a Lytic Drug
07:50

An In vitro System to Gauge the Thrombolytic Efficacy of Histotripsy and a Lytic Drug

Published on: June 4, 2021

Treatment of chronic deep vein thrombosis using ultrasound accelerated catheter-directed thrombolysis

M Dumantepe1, I A Tarhan, A Ozler

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Memorial Atasehir Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. mdumantepe@gmail.com

European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery : the Official Journal of the European Society for Vascular Surgery
|June 29, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Ultrasound-accelerated catheter-directed thrombolysis (UACDT) shows promise for treating delayed deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities. This method achieved high success rates with minimal complications in a small patient group.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Interventional Radiology
  • Thrombosis Research

Background:

  • Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) can lead to long-term complications.
  • Delayed treatment of DVT presents unique challenges.
  • Current treatment options for chronic DVT may have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of ultrasound-accelerated catheter-directed thrombolysis (UACDT).
  • To evaluate UACDT in patients with delayed lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.
  • To determine the outcomes of UACDT in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective investigation of twelve patients with unilateral iliofemoral or femoropopliteal DVT (mean symptom duration 92 days).
  • UACDT performed using recombinant human tissue plasminogen activator with the EKOS EkoSonic system.
  • Post-procedure venography, angioplasty/stent placement if needed, and duplex ultrasound follow-up.

Main Results:

  • Successful thrombolysis in 11/12 limbs (92%) after a mean infusion time of 26 hours.
  • 10/11 veins remained patent at a mean 9-month follow-up.
  • Minor bleeding occurred in 2/12 patients; no major hemorrhage or pulmonary embolism.

Conclusions:

  • UACDT appears to be a safe and effective option for delayed lower limb DVT treatment.
  • This preliminary study supports UACDT as a viable therapeutic approach.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger cohorts.
Abstract

Keywords:
Catheter-directed thrombolysisChronic deep vein thrombosisPost-thrombotic syndromeUltrasound

More Related Videos

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis06:45

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis

Published on: February 10, 2023

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis10:26

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Published on: June 2, 2015

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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 IV: Nursing Management01:30

Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
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...
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...