American Society of Hirudotherapy

[Catheter-directed thrombolysis in iliofemoral deep-vein thrombosis].

Review published in Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde (2012)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewClinical TrialsDrug DevelopmentStrijkers RHW et al. · Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde, 2012

Abstract

Despite optimal treatment of acute deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) there is a great chance of recurrent DVT and development of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in the long term. The degree of spontaneous recanalization differs per patient and per thrombus location. 90% of all femoropopliteal occlusions will fully recanalize within 1 year; however, in the case of an iliofemoral thrombosis, recanalization occurs only in a minority of cases. Post-thrombotic complications occur more often following iliofemoral thrombosis, and the chance of recurrent thrombosis is greater than following thrombosis in a more distal location. An anatomical variation or abnormality also more often underlies an iliofemoral thrombosis. It is important to identify patients with a greater chance of developing PTS promptly and to treat them in order to prevent post-thrombotic damage. There are still insufficient trial data available to implement catheter-directed thrombolysis as standard therapy for iliofemoral thrombosis

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

Publication typeEnglish AbstractJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAnticoagulantsCatheterization, PeripheralFemoral VeinHumansIliac VeinPostthrombotic SyndromeThrombolytic TherapyTreatment OutcomeVenous Thrombosis

Summary

Despite optimal treatment of acute deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) there is a great chance of recurrent DVT and development of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in the long term. The degree of spontaneous recanalization differs per patient and per thrombus location.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

Informs the thrombolytic and fibrinolytic context against which leech-derived anticoagulant and clot-modulating compounds are evaluated.

Citation

[Catheter-directed thrombolysis in iliofemoral deep-vein thrombosis].

Strijkers RHW et al. · Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde, 2012

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