Iliofemoral Deep Vein Thrombosis Management and Treatment

The treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremity is dependent on the severity of symptoms. Mild symptoms may be treated with anticoagulation alone. However, moderate to severe symptoms in the setting of iliofemoral venous obstruction, that persist or worsen, should be treated surgically to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome. With current technological advances in vascular surgery, many novel endovascular devices have been developed with highly successful thrombolysis and thrombectomy outcomes. But if percutaneous methods fail, open surgical treatment remains an option with procedures such as open venous thrombectomy and vein bypass. This chapter reviews the workup, diagnosis, and management of acute lower extremity DVT with an emphasis on the surgical treatment of iliofemoral DVT