Novel treatment techniques for recanalization of femoral-popliteal deep venous occlusion from chronic thrombosis.

Patients with postthrombotic syndrome due to previous femoral-popliteal deep venous thrombosis often experience lifestyle-limiting lower-extremity pain and swelling. Conservative treatment options include compression stockings and lymphedema massage, but in many cases these treatments only temporarily and partially improve symptoms. Ultrasound and venography in patients with postthrombotic syndrome often show only partial recanalization of the femoral vein with significant collateral vein formation. These abnormal veins are insufficient for adequate venous drainage from the lower extremity as evidenced by the patient's continued symptoms. Recanalization of the occluded or partially occluded femoral vein using prolonged venoplasty, with or without chemical thrombolysis, combined with optimizing anticoagulation and conservative treatment measures, results in lasting improvement in symptoms for a high percentage of patients.