Single-session aspiration thrombectomy of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis using large-size catheter without pharmacologic thrombolysis

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of single-session aspiration thrombectomy using large catheters without pharmacologic thrombolysis to treat acute and subacute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Methods: From January 2008 to December 2011, single-session aspiration thrombectomy using large, 11F introducer catheters to treat acute and subacute lower extremity DVT was performed in 74 limbs of 74 patients (M/F = 23/51, age range 36-88 years), and clinical and imaging follow-up of over 6 months were obtained in 26 patients. Causes of DVT were May-Thurner syndrome (n = 65), malignancy related (n = 6), and pelvic mass (n = 3). A 14F introducer sheath was inserted through the popliteal vein, followed by rotational thrombus maceration and aspiration thrombectomy. Angioplasty and stent placement were performed when needed. Radiological images and medical records were reviewed for immediate and midterm results, complications, and recurrences. Results: Initial technical success rate was 89.2 % (66 patients). Stenting was performed in 55 patients. The failures were due to underlying chronic thrombi/DVT (n = 7) and stent failure due to huge pelvic mass (n = 1). There was no procedure-related complication. In the 26 midterm follow-up patients for a duration of 6-48 months, there was no recurrence (n = 20), stent occlusion (n = 3), or femoral vein occlusion (n = 3). One-year primary patency rate in stent/iliac vein, femoral vein, and popliteal/infrapopliteal vein were 88.5, 88.5, and 96.2 %, respectively. Conclusion: Single-session aspiration thrombectomy for acute and subacute lower extremity DVT using large introducer catheters without pharmacologic thrombolysis is feasible with acceptable immediate and midterm results, excluding complications related to pharmacologic thrombolysis.