Pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis: An emerging therapy for deep vein thrombosis – A case series

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism comprising pulmonary embolism and deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a major health problem with DVT accounting for two-third of them. Lower extremity DVTs account for 25%–50% of them and have long-term chronic venous complications which are termed as postthrombotic syndrome. The armamentarium in DVT management includes systemic anticoagulation, mechanical thrombectomy, and catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT). Despite the benefits of therapy, CDT has its own limitations. Pharmacomechanical CDT (PMCDT) is an emerging percutaneous therapy which improves the treatment efficacy and reduces the incidence of long-term complications. Here, we present a series of three cases where PMCDT was used in acute to subacute DVT with poor response to anticoagulation therapy.

Keywords

• deep-vein thrombosis
• pharmacomechanical
• postthrombotic syndrome