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Venous thromboembolism including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis leads to short- and long-term morbidity and in some cases mortality. Although treatment approaches vary among institutions based on local expertise, the employment of interventional techniques is of great interest. Several studies have shown clinical and physiological benefits from catheter-based techniques. However, these therapies are not without risk, especially with the use of powerful thrombolytic agents that increase the rate of bleeding. This chapter reviews the catheter-based techniques for the management of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism as well as the indications and complications of inferior vena cava filters.

Venous thromboembolism including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis leads to short- and long-term morbidity and in some cases mortality. Although treatment approaches vary among institutions based on local expertise, the employment of interventional techniques is of great interest. Several studies have shown clinical and physiological benefits from catheter-based techniques. However, these therapies are not without risk, especially with the use of powerful thrombolytic agents that increase the rate of bleeding. This chapter reviews the catheter-based techniques for the management of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism as well as the indications and complications of inferior vena cava filters.