ICTS News

Simple procedure relieves painful complications after deep vein thrombosis

Opening a narrowed vein damaged by deep vein thrombosis can effectively treat an often painful complication following a blood clot, according to a major clinical trial co-led by WashU Medicine. The left panel shows a narrowed vein in the thigh of a patient with severe post-thrombotic syndrome. A stent is placed in the vein (center panel), which then enables better blood flow (right). (Image courtesy of Suresh Vedantham)
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A major multi-site clinical trial co-led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has shown that post-thrombotic syndrome — a common and often painful complication suffered by many people who have experienced blockages of major veins due to blood clots — can be effectively treated with a minimally invasive procedure. The study found that placing a stent to open and strengthen the affected vein reduced the severity of the post-thrombotic syndrome and improved venous symptoms and overall quality of life in affected patients.