Postoperative complications of surgical therapy for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremity

Objective To analyze postoperative complications of surgical therapy for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremity. Method From January 2001 to January 2008 vena cava filters were placed in 171 DVT cases before surgery. Fogarty catheter (73 cases), Amplatz thrombectomy device (ATD) (55 cases), Acolysis ultrasound ablation(43 cases) were used to extract the thrombi in iliac and proximal femoral vein. The full extraction of thrombi in distal end was facilitated by compressing and massaging the legs in all cases. Iliac venous stenosis or occlusion was managed by interventional therapy, and temporary femoral arteriovenous fistula were carried out routinly. Result Operations were successful in 157 cases(70 cases in Fogarty group, 52 in ATD group,35 in Acolysis ultrasound ablation group), and failed in 14 cases (3 cases in Fogarty group, 3 in ATD group, 8 in Acolysis ultrasound ablation group). Permanent,retrievable and temporary vena cava filters were placed in 51,32 and 88 cases respectively. Stenosis or occulsions of the iliac vein was found in 143 cases and stents were placed after balloon dilatation in 41 cases. During the operation, residual thrombi was found in 80 cases. Vessel perforation and rupture were complicated in 14 cases, thrombosis adhering in eava vein filters in 18 cases. There was no mortality and no pulmonary thromboembolism. During the follow-up, we found iliae vein restenosis in 21 cases, thrombosis recurrence in 36 cases, stents displacement in 6 cases, and stents fracture in 2 cases. Conclusion Surgical therapy is effective for DVT of the lower extremities. Key words: Venous thrombosis;  Intraoperative complications;  Catheter ablation;