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BACKGROUND: Catheter-directed thrombolysis may prevent post-thrombotic syndrome in patients with ilio-femoral deep venous thrombosis. We performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected follow-up data to evaluate the results of catheter-directed thrombolysis at our institution. METHOD: Patients admitted for venous thrombolysis were included in the study and their files screened for information regarding results and technical aspects of treatment and patient status on follow-up. A catheter was inserted under imaging guidance into the thrombosed vein. Through the catheter tissue plasminogen activator was administered. Daily catheter-based venographies were performed to monitor progression in thrombus resolution. After thrombolysis flow-limiting stenosis was stented. Patients started wearing compression stockings and were started on oral anticoagulant therapy. Follow-up visits with ultrasound, magnetic resonance venography and clinical assessment were scheduled at six weeks and three, six, 12 and 24 months. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis, including 36 female patients. Median age was 28 years. Complete lysis of the thrombus was achieved in 43 cases and partial lysis in two cases and 26 stents were placed. No deaths or life-threatening bleeding events occurred. Thirty-two of the patients who achieved full lysis and were followed up remained patent at follow-up. At 12 months seven patients had symptoms of post-thrombotic syndrome. CONCLUSION: Catheter-directed thrombolysis represents a safe and effective alternative to systemic anticoagulative treatment of deep venous thrombosis with rapid resolution of the thrombus and few complications. Long-term patency shows good validity and this study suggests that catheter-directed thrombolysis is effective in preventing post-thrombotic syndrome.

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False aneurysms are formed as a result of bleeding causing a hematoma to compress the surrounding tissue. The majority of false aneurysms presenting to the vascular surgeon are caused by iatrogenic injury to an artery. Although anastomotic failure occurs, a much higher number is caused by bleeding from puncture sites after percutaneous intervention. Anticoagulative medication, low patelet counts and severely calcified vessels increase the risk of forming a false aneurysm. Experienced specialists may make the diagnosis from physical examination, but ultrasound imaging is almost always needed in order to decide for a treatment strategy. Small aneurysms with a diameter of less than 3 cm tend to thrombose spontaneously except in patients in anticoagulative treatment. Treatment options include ultrasound guided compression, which may be effective in a high proportion of patients who are not in anti-coagulative treatment, but may require prolonged compression and cause pain and discomfort. Duplex guided injection of thrombin or glue requires less time of compression and can be effective in patient s on antiocoagulative treatment, but may cause spillage of adhesive material into the crural vessels. Endovascular treatment with coils or covered stent grafts have proven useful in infected ilio-femoral false aneurysms. Open surgical repair may be the best treatment in the setting of imminent rupture, massive hematoma and skin necrosis. We present three patient cases treated with open surgery, endovascular coiling, and thrombin injection.

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Conventional bypass surgery is only possible when patent distal arterial outflow vessels are available. In patients with critical limb ischemia and occluded distal arteries, attempts have been made to establish retrograde perfusion through either deep or superficial pedal veins. Though historical results were disappointing, more recently limb salvage has been achieved after adopting a principle of 1) placing the anastomosis distally, and 2) actively destroying the distal valves. Experimental, para-clinical, and clinical data confirm that direct tissue nutrition is improved, angiogenesis stimulated, and collaterals opened. Only a limited number of cases have been reported in the literature and a number of different operative techniques have been described. The results in terms of limb salvage and wound healing vary widely. Generally, results are poorer than what would have been expected if femoro-distal arterial bypass had been possible. Recently, hybrid approaches have been developed to avoid extensive distal incisions by endovascular destruction of valves and closure of side branches. Also, a totally endovascular technique, including the position of a stent graft between the vein and artery, has been proposed and tested. These developments may in the future improve results by limiting incisional wound complications and make this treatment available to more patients who would otherwise have no other alternative than amputation.

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