Bilateral catheter-directed thrombolysis in a patient with deep venous thrombosis caused by a hypoplastic inferior vena cava

Abstract

Introduction

Deep venous thrombosis treatment using catheter-directed thrombolysis is advocated over systemic thrombolysis because it reduces bleeding complications. With the development of a catheter that combines ultrasound vibrations and the local delivering of thrombolytics, new and safer treatments appear that are suitable for more complex problems.

Report

An adolescent male presented with bilateral iliofemoral thrombosis based on a hypoplastic inferior vena cava that had existed for more than two weeks. He was succesfully treated by bilateral ultrasound-accelerated catheter-directed thrombolysis using EkoSonic® (Small Vessel) Endovascular System (EKOS) and stenting of the inferior vena cava. After eight months of follow-up, the inferior vena cava is still patent.

Conclusion

EKOS thrombolysis of longer existing bilateral deep venous thrombosis in the central venous system is a succesful treatment modality in congenital inferior vena cava anomalies.