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Catheter-assisted thrombolysis safe, effective for patients with DVT, postthrombotic syndrome
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Patients with chronic deep vein thrombosis and postthrombotic syndrome can be treated safely and effectively with catheter-assisted thrombolysis therapy, according to the results of the ACCESS PTS study, presented at the Society for Vascular Medicine Scientific Sessions in New Orleans.
“Using minimally invasive endovascular techniques, we have been able to show that successful recanalization of chronic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can occur and can significantly improve quality of life while decreasing postthrombotic venous scores,” study presenter Mark J. Garcia, MD, FSIR, FACR, president and medical director of Vascular & Interventional Associates of Delaware and EndoVascular Consultants, said in an interview with Cardiology Today’s Intervention.
The multicenter, prospective, single-arm study enrolled 73 patients with iliofemoral DVT who met eligibility with a Villalta score of at least 8 and had failed 3 months of conservative therapy. They were treated with anticoagulation drugs, followed by catheter-assisted thrombolysis (EKOS therapy, BTG) with balloon dilation.
The primary endpoint of the study was Villalta reduction of 4 points in 50% of the patients.
The study showed that 67% of patients reached a reduction greater than 4 (P = .003), the Villalta score improved by 36% at 30 days and 49% at 180 days, Venous Clinical Severity Score improved 28% (P < .0001) at 30 days and the VEINES-QOL improved by 21% at 30 days (P < .001).
“We physicians need to stop telling patients there is nothing that can be done and they have to live with it. From the interventionalist standpoint, patience and perseverance are key to a successful outcome,” Garcia said. “If this thought can seep into the minds of those seeing these patients, as well as the patients themselves, then we can effectively attack the disease and treat those suffering.” – by Dave Quaile
Reference:
Garcia M. Accelerated thrombolysis for postthrombotic syndrome using the acoustic pulse thrombolysis EkoSonic endovascular system: Initial results of a multicenter study. Presented at: Society for Vascular Medicine 28th Annual Scientific Session; June 14-17, 2017; New Orleans.
Disclosure: Garcia reports receiving an honorarium for speaking for BTG/EKOS.