Abstract:

Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the utility and effectiveness of Ultrasonic Thrombolysis Catheter (UTC) in deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Material and Method: Recombinant human tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase) and EKOS EkoSonic® Endovascular System (EKOS Corporation, Bothell, Washington, USA) were used for the UTC treatment. After the procedure, the treatment was evaluated with Venography and venous Doppler Ultrasonography (USG). Results: Twenty-two patients who underwent UTC due to DVT were evaluated retrospectively. Thrombosis was in the femoral vein in 77.3 % (n=17) of the patients, in the iliac vein in 18.2% (n=4) and in the inferior Vena cava in 4.5% (n=1).The mean onset time for the symptoms was 21.8 days (range 3-72). Thrombolysis was successful in 77.3% (n=17) of the patients. In 50% (n=11) of the patients, full thrombolysis was achieved, and partial thrombolysis was achieved in 27.3% (n=6). None of the patients developed pulmonary embolism. In 2 patients, bleeding was observed at the site of catheterization. Conclusion: UTC treatment reduces the amount and duration of thrombolysis infusion and thus reduces the bleeding complications and prevents venous valve damage by ensuring early and effective thrombolysis. Consequently, it reduces the development of Post Thrombolytic Syndrome (PTS), which is a late complication of DVT. In conclusion, UTC is an easy-to-use choice of treatment with less systemic and local complications and higher success rate and effectiveness

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