Understanding Percutaneous Transcatheter Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Percutaneous transcatheter treatment is a way to treat a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot that forms in a large, deep vein. It happens most often in one of the veins of your legs. You may have pain, swelling, warmth, and redness from the DVT.

The treatment is done with a long, thin tube (catheter). The catheter is used to get to the blood clot to help remove it or break it up. Percutaneous means that it’s done through a small cut (incision) in the skin. Your healthcare provider may use the catheter with medicine, tools, or other tiny devices (balloons, wire mesh) to treat the clot.

Cross section of muscle and varicose vein with blood clot. Catheter is inserted in vein through blood clot.

Why percutaneous transcatheter treatment for DVT is done

When you have DVT, a piece of the blood clot may break off and go through your blood vessels to one of your lungs. This is a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism (PE). Percutaneous transcatheter treatment is done to remove the clot so this doesn’t happen.

Your healthcare provider may advise this treatment to:

  • Treat DVT if blood-thinner medicine didn't work

  • Ease symptoms from DVT, such as swelling

  • Treat a blood clot in your thigh or pelvis, which is more likely to lead to serious problems

  • Treat a large blood clot

  • Lower the risk of long-term problems with your veins

All treatments for DVT have their own risks and benefits. Ask your healthcare provider which treatment is best for you.

How percutaneous transcatheter treatment of DVT is done

The procedure is done by a healthcare provider who is a blood vessel (vascular) specialist. It can be done in several ways. They will make a small cut (incision) through your skin and into a blood vessel (vein) in your groin. The cut is made in the area between your stomach and your thigh. The healthcare provider will put a long, thin wire into the incision. With X-ray guidance, they will position the wire near the clot. The healthcare provider will then insert a catheter using the wire as a guide. They may then send clot-dissolving medicine through the catheter. They may use small tools to help break up the clot. A tiny balloon or mesh may be inserted to open the vein.

Risks of percutaneous transcatheter treatment of DVT

All treatments have risks. The risks of this procedure include:

  • Too much bleeding

  • Infection

  • Damage to the vein

  • Clot breaking off and traveling to other areas or organs 

  • Reaction to anesthesia

  • Another DVT forming

Your risks vary depending on your overall health, how long you’ve had the clot, and where it is in your body. Ask your healthcare provider which risks apply most to you.