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Published on: January 13, 2026
Venous thrombectomies and partial interruption of the vena cava in 125 cases of thrombophlebitis
Insights
Surgical treatment for lower limb thrombophlebitis significantly reduced lethal pulmonary embolism with caval clipping, improving patient outcomes and venous patency. Arteriovenous fistulas further enhanced results.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Thromboembolic Disease Management
Background:
- Thrombophlebitis of the lower limbs presents a significant risk of pulmonary embolism.
- Surgical interventions aim to improve venous patency and reduce embolic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of thrombectomy and caval clipping in managing lower limb thrombophlebitis.
- To assess the impact of technical improvements and adjunctive procedures on surgical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 125 cases surgically treated for lower limb thrombophlebitis.
- Comparison of outcomes between thrombectomy, caval clipping, and combined approaches.
- Evaluation of the role of arteriovenous fistulas and caval filters/clips in preventing pulmonary embolism.
Main Results:
- Technical improvements since 1965 led to better patency rates and clinical status.
- Arteriovenous fistulas significantly improved venous patency and clinical results.
- Caval clipping (filters or serrated clips) drastically reduced lethal pulmonary embolism from 8.7% to 0.98%.
Conclusions:
- Caval clipping is indicated for lower limb thrombophlebitis, regardless of the feasibility of venous disobstruction procedures.
- Surgical management, particularly with caval protection, significantly lowers mortality from pulmonary embolism.
- Optimized surgical techniques enhance venous patency and overall patient recovery.
Abstract:
In 125 cases surgically treated for thrombophlebitis of the lower limbs, thrombectomy was done in 96, while caval clipping alone was done in 31. Beginning in 1965, technical improvements and systematic control of the 3 major cross points of the lower limb venous system resulted in gradually improved results as regards patency rate and clinical status. When the return flow was increased by arteriovenous fistula, the patency rate and the clinical results were significantly improved. Comparison of a first group of 23 patients submitted to venous thrombectomy alone with 102 patients protected by filters or serrated clips shows a drastic decrease in lethal pulmonary embolism postoperatively. Mortality in the unprotected group was 8.7% while in the protected series it fell to .98%: the latter death was in fact due to forced selection of an operation of second choice. In the protected series, 69 preoperative pulmonary embolisms were recorded in 55 patients. Only one minor postoperative embolism occurred, this originating from an axillary phlebitis. We find caval clipping to be formally indicated whether or not a venous disobstruction procedure is feasible.
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