THE TREATMENT OF DEEP-VEIN THROMBOSIS

In the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a rapid clinical diagn osis supported by the appropriate equipment, the age of the patient, a nd the extent of the thrombosis are the major determinants of successf ul therapy. Active and conservative treatment should be aimed at the p revention of pulmonary embolisms, rethrombosis and elimination of the thrombus, while preserving venous valvular function, which in turn is essential to avoid the development of post-thrombotic syndrome. The tr eatment of acute DVT remains controversial. For this reason the indica tion, treatment, and recently published results of thrombectomy, throm bolysis, and the possibilities for preventing DVT are discussed.