Ultrasound‑enhanced, catheter‑directed thrombolysis for deep vein thrombosis

The condition

When a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins in the leg, thigh, pelvis or arm it is called a deep vein thrombosis. If the clot comes loose it may travel through the bloodstream and block a blood vessel in the lungs. Even if the blood clot does not come loose it can cause long-term damage to the vein leading to pain and swelling of the limb.

The usual treatments for a deep vein thrombosis are drugs such as heparin. There are also methods that physically break up the clot (mechanical thrombectomy) or dissolve the clot with drugs (catheter-directed thrombolysis), using a tube inserted into the vein.

NICE has looked at using ultrasound-enhanced, catheter-directed thrombolysis as another treatment option.

NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) may be a good place to find out more.