Surgical removal of an inferior vena cava thrombus

Studies on the management of inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis have rarely focused upon the risk of later development of postthrombotic syndrome of the lower limbs. From 1983–1989, 52 patients with ilio-femoral thrombosis with an extension of thrombus into the IVC were treated. In addition to lower limb pain and swelling, 12 (23%) patients had symptomatic pulmonary embolism on admission. Perfusion/ventilation pulmonary scans were positive in 63%. Twelve patients received only anti-coagulant treatment. Thrombectomy was attempted in 40 patients, but failed in 13 patients due to old thrombi. Twenty-seven patients had surgical removal of thrombus combined with anti-coagulation [temporary arterio-venous-fistula (AVF) and IVC interruption ( n = 15); AVF alone ( n = 9); and without fistula n = 3)]. The mortality and morbidity were low and hospital stay was not prolonged. Thirty-eight legs were examined at 7-66 months (mean: 23 ± 3) after initial treatment. The limbs in which the IVC thrombus could not be removed ( n = 20) were symptomatic in 25% of patients, venous ulcer developed in 4 of 20 limbs. The ilio-femoral segment was patent in only 35%. The thrombectomised limbs ( n = 18) were asymptomatic in 56%; none had developed ulcer and iliac patency was 72%. Doppler investigations and refilling times were normal in 39% of the thrombectomised limbs. All patients without surgical IVC thrombus removal developed contralateral deep venous thrombosis during the follow-up period. This study shows that femoro-ilio-caval thrombectomy is successful only in patients with a short history and fresh clot, and can be safely performed with low morbidity and mortality. Vein patency and valve function are preserved in a significant number of patients. Surgery may prevent a contralateral retrograde thrombus formation by removal of an outflow obstruction.