2025 ESVM Guidelines on interventional treatment of venous thromboembolism

Abstract

The number of endovascular interventional procedures for catheter-based therapy (CBT) of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), has been increasing over the past years. The development of more efficient thrombectomy systems for CBT of VTE has potentially enhanced the efficacy of interventional treatment of VTE. Nevertheless, indications for CBT of VTE, i.e. catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) or catheter-based mechanical thrombus removal, need to be established based on existing data and expert consensus. Vascular experts should be involved in the decision-making process on CBTs in patients with acute VTE, and thrombus removal procedures should be performed in centers with experience in interventional treatment of VTE. This guideline document of the European Society of Vascular Medicine (ESVM) provides recommendations on indications and management of CBT in acute VTE and is endorsed by the European national societies of Vascular Medicine.

Keywords: Thrombus removal; catheter directed thrombolysis; catheter-based treatment; deep vein thrombosis; guidelines; pulmonary embolism; venous thromboembolism.