Abstract
The postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a common complication of lower extremity deep
vein thrombosis (DVT) that impairs patients' health-related quality of life despite
the use of standard therapy. Prevention of PTS is an important goal of quality DVT
care, and includes prevention of recurrent DVT with anticoagulation, use of compression
therapy, mitigation of functional contributors to limb edema, use of endovascular
therapy to prevent venous obstruction and valvular reflux, and reduction of inflammation
within the involved veins and limb. This study reviews best practices in clinical
PTS prevention, clinical trial evidence on endovascular therapy outcomes, and mechanistic
observations about PTS with the goal of preparing the interventional radiology physician
to deliver outstanding patient care and to lead local and national multi-specialty
initiatives that are aimed at PTS prevention.
Keywords
deep vein thrombosis - postthrombotic syndrome - thrombolysis - thrombectomy - pharmaco-mechanical
- interventional radiology
