Preservation of venous valve function after catheter- directed and systemic thrombolysis for deep venous thrombosis

Objectives. The aim of the study was to assess venous reflux and the obstruction pattern after catheter-directed and systemic thrombolysis of deep iliofemoral venous thrombosis. Patients. Thirty-two patients treated either with systemic (16) or catheter-directed local thrombolysis (16) for massive iliofemoral thrombosis were identified from the hospital registry. Methods. Clinical evaluation at follow tip was based on the CEAP classification and disability score. Reflux was assessed by colour duplex ultrasonography and standardised reflux testing. A vascular surgeon blinded to treatment established the clinical status of the lower limb following the previous DVT. Results. Valvular competence was preserved in 44% of patients treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis compared with 13% of those treated with systemic thrombolysis (p = 0.049, Chi squared). Reflux in any deep vein was present in 44% of patients treated by catheter-directed lysis; compared with 81% of patients receiving systemic thrombolysis (p = 0,03, Chi squared). Reflux in any superficial vein was observed in 25% vs. 63% of the patients, respectively (p = 0.03, Chi squared). There were significantly more patients with venous insufficiency of classes C0-1 in the group treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis. Conclusion. In this clinical series venous valvular function was better preserved after iliofemoral DVT when treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis.