Endovascular stenting is a safe and effective way to treat iliofemoral obstructions in patients with postthrombotic syndrome, according to Dr. M. Yin of Shanghai (China) JiaoTong University, and associates.
The stenting process was achieved without major complications in 95% of cases. Cumulative primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates after 3 years were 69%, 79%, and 92%, respectively. Patients with severe postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) saw a significant drop in their Villalta score, compared with patients treated with elastic compression stockings (ECS) therapy, though scores were similar in patients with moderate PTS in both groups. The 24-month recurrence-free ulcer healing rate was significantly higher in the stenting group (87% vs. 71%).
“ECS therapy shows equal clinical effects with stent placement in patients with moderate PTS,” but the stented patients did not have to wear stockings after the procedure, the researchers wrote.
Find the full study in the European Journal of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery (doi: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2015.03.029).