Interventional radiology in the management of venous thromboembolism

Acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate. The overall 30-day mortality rate is higher than 10%. Interventional radiology is an important treatment option for venous thromboembolism. Meanwhile, the inferior vena cava filter implantation technique is an important method to prevent significant pulmonary embolism arising from a deep vein thrombosis. Hybrid interventional treatment for pulmonary thromboembolism and deep vein thrombosis that includes catheter-directed thrombolysis, catheter thrombus fragmentation, and catheter thrombus aspiration can be expected to become a leading strategic option in the future. This paper is intended to explain the basic knowledge behind these interventional radiological techniques.