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.