American Society of Hirudotherapy

Quality of Life after Venous Stenting for Post-thrombotic Syndrome and the Effect of Inflow Disease.

Research article published in Vascular and endovascular surgery (2023)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportClinical TrialsSafety & Infection ControlBakas JM et al. · Vascular and endovascular surgery, 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Patients with PTS experience an impaired quality of life (QoL). We aimed to study QoL in patients stented for post thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and analyze the influence of different parameters. METHODS: Patients stented for PTS after iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis were asked to complete the Chronic Venous Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (CIVIQ-20) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) in this cross-sectional study. All other data were collected retrospectively. Primary endpoints were median CIVIQ-20 and physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary SF-36 scores. The influence of age, sex, and years between the procedure and completion of questionnaire were investigated using a multivariate linear regression model. Wilcoxon signed rank test compared the PCS and MCS with the normative. Effects of inflow from the deep femoral vein (DFV) and/or the femoral vein (FV) on QoL was analyzed in patients with patent stents. RESULTS: The response rate was 70.3% (n = 45/64). Time period (median) from stenting to questionnaire completion was 6.6 years (IQR: 8.0). Most stents were placed unilateral left-sided (73.3%). For patients with patent stents (n = 42) median CIVIQ-20 was 35.5 (IQR: 17.3), higher than the minimum of 20.0 (P < .001). Median PCS of 44.7 (IQR: 14.2) was lower (P < .001), and MCS of 55.9 (IQR: 7.1) higher (P = .001) than the normative (50.0). Time since stenting and sex were not associated with QoL. Age was a significant predictor [standardized coefficient ß = .36, P = .04] for QoL using the CIVIQ-20, but not for the SF-36. Inflow disease did not impact QoL, but patients with occluded stents (n = 3) had poor functioning levels. CONCLUSION: Quality of life is impaired after venous stenting for PTS, particularly physical functioning, among patients with an open stent, but was similar between patients with good and impaired inflow. Patients with a permanent stent occlusion had the lowest QoL.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsHumansQuality of LifeFemaleMalePostthrombotic SyndromeStentsMiddle AgedCross-Sectional StudiesTreatment OutcomeRetrospective StudiesFemoral VeinTime Factors

Summary

Patients with PTS experience an impaired quality of life (QoL). We aimed to study QoL in patients stented for post thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and analyze the influence of different parameters.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This cross-sectional study examined quality of life (QoL) in 45 patients (70.3% response rate of 64 eligible) a median of 6.6 years after venous stenting for post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) following iliofemoral DVT, using validated CIVIQ-20 and SF-36 questionnaires. For ASH, understanding long-term outcomes after interventions for PTS is relevant because this chronic condition arises from deep vein thrombosis, placing it within the thrombotic disease spectrum that hirudin-based anticoagulants—derived from medicinal leeches—have historically targeted; insights into post-intervention QoL help contextualize the broader burden of venous thromboembolic disease. Among patients with patent stents (n=42), QoL remained impaired—particularly physical functioning (median PCS 44.7 vs. normative 50.0)—and those with permanent stent occlusion (n=3) had the lowest QoL. A key limitation is the modest sample size combined with retrospective clinical data collection, which constrain generalizability.

Citation

Quality of Life after Venous Stenting for Post-thrombotic Syndrome and the Effect of Inflow Disease.

Bakas JM et al. · Vascular and endovascular surgery, 2023

Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.