Diagnosis and Treatment of Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis: Korean Practice Guidelines

Abstract

Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis is a serious medical condition that canresult in death or major disability due to pulmonary embolism or post-thromboticsyndrome. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment are required to improve symptomsand salvage the affected limb. Early thrombus clearance rapidly resolves symptomsrelated to venous obstruction, restores valve function and reduces the incidence ofpost-thrombotic syndrome. Recently, endovascular treatment has been establishedas a standard method for early thrombus removal. However, there are a variety ofviews regarding the indications and procedures among medical institutions andoperators. Therefore, we intend to provide evidence-based guidelines for diagnosisand treatment of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis by multidisciplinaryconsensus. These guidelines are the result of a close collaboration betweeninterventional radiologists and vascular surgeons. The goals of these guidelinesare to improve treatment, to serve as a guide to the clinician, and consequently tocontribute to public health care.