OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy of anticoagulation and thrombolysis for deep venous thrombosis via local vein approach and peripheral vein approach to guide clinical treatment.

METHODSThere were 225 patients with deep venous thrombosis admitted from January 2001 to May 2008. The cases were divided into two groups by therapy procedures. The patients in group A were treated by deep femoral vein catheter-directed anticoagulation and thrombolysis, including a total number of 71 patients, with right lower extremity in 20 patients, left lower extremity in 47 patients and bilateral lower extremities in 4 patients. One hundred and fifty-four patients were included in group B with anticoagulation and thrombolysis through peripheral vein, among them right lower extremity in 27 patients, left lower extremity in 121 patients and bilateral lower extremities in 6 patients. The efficacy was evaluated and compared by observing clinical symptoms and measuring of changes in limb circumference.

RESULTSSymptoms were alleviated in all patients in 3 d after the treatment, but the efficacy of group A was better than group B (94.4% vs.69.5%, P < 0.01). The efficacy of group A was also better than group B in 7 days after treatment, but with no significant difference (85.9% vs. 75.3%, P > 0.05). A mean follow-up period was (43 ± 18) months. There was no significant difference in incidence of complication and recurrence between two groups.

CONCLUSIONSThe earlier efficacy of anticoagulation and thrombolysis via femoral vein approach is better than via peripheral vein approach in earlier period of deep venous thrombosis. While peripheral intravenous therapy has also good results after long-term treatment.