Advances in Operative Thrombectomy for Lower Extremity Venous Thrombosis

Lower extremity deep venous thrombosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The mainstay of therapy is medical. However, anticoagulation does not remove the thrombus and restore venous patency. In select patients, early thrombus removal and anticoagulation can restore venous patency, preserve venous valve function, and may reduce the incidence of postthrombotic syndrome. Catheter-directed therapies are minimally invasive with low complication rates. However, in patients with a contraindication to thrombolytic agents who can receive anticoagulation, open thrombectomy should be considered if indications for thrombus removal are met and patients are good operative risks.