Percutaneous Image-Guided Treatment of Pediatric Deep-Vein Occlusions

Abstract

Pediatric venous occlusions are a growing cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in hospitalized patients. Catheter-directed recanalization is a safe and effective treatment option in appropriately selected patients. Benefits of catheter directed therapies (CDTs) include the prevention of pulmonary embolism and end organ failure acutely as well as superior vena cava syndrome and post-thrombotic syndrome chronically. Timely diagnosis, recognition of underlying factors for thrombosis, and familiarity with the spectrum of tools and techniques for CDT are essential to optimizing outcomes in the acute setting. Recanalization of chronic venous occlusions can similarly provide symptomatic relief and achieve long term vessel patency. This review will detail the scope, techniques, and outcomes for CDT in the treatment of acquired systemic deep vein occlusions.