Methods: Forty-one patients (20 males, 21 females; mean age 63.9 years; range 19.9±21.9 years) who diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis between January 2012 and May 2013 were included in this study. Patients were divided into three groups as acute, subacute and chronic. Acute group included 15 patients (36.6%), subacute group included 21 patients (51.2%), and chronic group included five patients (12.2%). All cases were administered catheter-directed ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis (EKOS^®) in the thrombosed extremity via the popliteal vein under Doppler ultrasonography. Venography was applied and thrombus length was confirmed. After the intervention, patients were anticoagulated with warfarin, and given anti-embolism stockings. Patients’ Doppler ultrasound results for pre-intervention, and one month, six months, and one year after intervention, symptom changes, and leg diameter differences were statistically evaluated.

Results: Concomitant pulmonary embolism was detected in one patient. Statistically significant symptomatic improvement and reduced leg diameters were detected in patients in the acute and subacute groups. Symptomatic improvement and increased recanalization were detected in the chronic group patients. No mortality or hemorrhagic complication occurred during the course of treatment.

Conclusion: Based on our findings, catheter-directed ultrasoundaccelerated thrombolysis may be a safe and efficient treatment for deep vein thrombosis even in high-risk patient group.