Novel methods of pharmacomechanical thrombolysis and thrombectomy for acute venous occlusions

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is associated with a number of clinically significant outcomes, both in the acute and chronic stages. In the acute stage DVT can lead to potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Long after the acute phase, DVT can cause a number of chronic debilitating symptoms including venous caludication, painful oedema and post thrombotic syndrome. The treatment options for DVT no longer rely soley on anticoagulation and there are now a number of new devices available for pharmacomechanical thrombectomy and thrombolysis. This article provides an overview of a number of these devices, including the design and mechanism of the device, and published data on efficacy and safety.