Surgical Thrombectomy for Deep Vein Thrombosis

Iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis can result in phlegmasia cerulea dolens in the acute stage and postthrombotic syndrome in the chronic stage. Phlegmasia cerulea dolens may result in venous gangrene and limb loss. Postthrombotic syndrome is associated with poor quality of life. As soon as a diagnosis of iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis is made, every effort should be made to remove the bulk of thrombus from the venous system to prevent these sequelae. In the modern era, endovascular intervention is the most common practice for removing the thrombus burden. For patients who fail endovascular treatment, or have contraindications to thrombolysis, contemporary open surgical venous thrombectomy is the only surgical option to get rid of massive thrombus burden. This operation is not commonly performed these days, but it is important for modern-day vascular surgeons to have this technique in their armamentarium.