OBJECTIVE

To identify anamnestic, anthropometric, clinical, instrumental, laboratory, genetic, and intraoperative risk factors DVT after arrhythmia-related catheter interventions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective study enrolled 688 patients after intracardiac electrophysiological studies, radiofrequency, and cryothermic catheter ablation. Patients underwent ultrasound of access site before and after intervention. We analyzed baseline clinical data, procedural characteristics, and potential laboratory and genetic predictors of thrombosis. Impact of preventive measures on the risk of thrombosis was also assessed.

RESULTS

According to post-procedure ultrasound data, thrombosis occurred in 113 (16.4%) patients. The main risk factors were excess body weight, previous hypertension, varicose veins or pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation, bilateral access and manipulations in the left cardiac chambers. Various preventive measures (compression stockings, post-procedure enoxaparin sodium administration, and cold application to the puncture site) significantly reduce the risk of thrombosis.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of venous thrombosis after arrhythmia-related catheter interventions significantly exceeds previous data. Proper preventive measures can significantly reduce this rate. Confirmation of previous risk factors and identification of new ones require further evaluation in secondary studies to develop a coherent model for assessing the risk of thromboembolic complications.