Long-Term Results of Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis Combined with Iliac Vein Stenting for Iliofemoral Deep Vein Thrombosis

PURPOSE: We were going to access the effect of catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy (CDT) on post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and the long term effects of iliac vein stenting in acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (IFDVT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six limbs in fifty-one patients (46 unilateral, 5 bilateral) were included from November 2001 through December 2007. Patients were classified based on the method of treatment: with stent implantation (n=37) and without stent implantation (n=19). The Villalta scale was chosen to assess for severity of PTS. The validated outcome measures were compared between the treatment groups. Statistical analysis was estimated according to the Kaplan-Meier test and Pearson chi-square test. RESULTS: Mean age was 57±13 years (range, 27–76 years). Mean follow up duration was 56±12 months (range, 24–144 months). Overall 5-year primary patency rate was 66.1% (77.8% in the stenting group and 42.1% in the non-stenting group) and showed statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.02). The recurrence rate of deep vein thrombosis was 10/37 (27.1%) in the stenting group and 11/19 (57.9%) in the non-stenting group, respectively, which showed statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.024). Overall incidence of mild PTS was 8/30 (26.7%): 4/13 (30.8%) in the stenting group and 4/17 (23.5%) in the non-stenting group. None of the other factors showed statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Long term results of CDT in IFDVT were acceptable, and stent implantation to the iliac segment seems to have a good effect on the long term results. Therefore CDT with simultaneous stenting is recommended to improve long term results of IFDVT, if indicated.