New Clinical Trial for Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep vein the body, usually in the leg. Most patients with DVT are treated with blood-thinning drugs (called anticoagulants), which stop the blood clot from growing and prevent other clots from forming. Unfortunately, these drugs do not dissolve the existing clot, which continues to block blood flow and causes permanent damage to the vein. This leads to a condition called the Post-Thrombotic Syndrome, or PTS. PTS can cause chronic pain, heaviness, fatigue, open sores, and/or swelling in the affected leg. Up to half of patients who have DVT will develop PTS.
Patients who develop PTS have a reduced quality of life. Fortunately, a new clinical trial, called ATTRACT, is testing a method of removing blood clots using a specially designed catheter. If clots can be removed early on, then PTS is far less likely to develop than if clots are left untreated.
In 2008, the Surgeon General issued a National Call to Action to warn the public about the dangers of blood clots. This document recommended that health researchers study methods of dissolving clot to prevent PTS.
The ATTRACT Trial is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health to test a method of treating blood clots that injects a clot-busting drug directly into the clot through a specially designed catheter. Dissolving the clot may relieve DVT symptoms more quickly and prevent vein damage that causes PTS.
Jobst Vascular Institute is now recruiting patients to participate in the ATTRACT trial. For more information, contact Gina Zoller at 419-291-2087.
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