Download {Hospital Name} Offers New Treatment for Blood Clots

CONTACT: Katie Robbins 704.334.7810
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Charlotte Radiology and Carolinas Medical Center Offer An Innovative
New Treatment for Blood Clots
Early Clot Treatment for Leg Veins Said to Improve Patient Outcomes
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – May 27, 2008 – Charlotte Radiology and Carolinas Medical Center
are now among the cutting edge institutions in the country offering an advanced treatment for
patients suffering from deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
DVT is a common but serious medical condition that occurs in approximately two
million Americans each year. DVT occurs when a thrombus (blood clot) forms in large veins,
usually in the legs, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. The condition
may result in serious health complications such as a pulmonary embolism (PE) and even death if
not diagnosed and treated effectively, according to the Coalition to Prevent Deep Vein
Thrombosis.1
The newest treatment uses the FDA-cleared Trellis® Peripheral Infusion System from
Bacchus Vascular, Inc., of Santa Clara, CA, to increase the efficiency of thrombolytic or “clotbusting” drugs in mixing with and removing the blood clots. The system is also designed to
reduce the risk of bleeding complications that may be associated with the use of thrombolytic
drugs.
Using a technique known as “pharmaco-mechanical” thrombolysis, the Trellis system
allows Charlotte Radiology’s Interventional Radiologists to provide rapid, effective and safe
treatment for many patients suffering from acute DVT. This minimally invasive, interventional
treatment modality is used in conjunction with the anti-coagulation drug regimen which is part of
the standard care for these patients.
Leading the effort at Carolinas Medical Center is Kevin Stadtlander, MD, an
Interventional Radiologist with Charlotte Radiology. Dr. Stadtlander noted that, “Historically,
DVT has been treated with blood thinners given systemically. As a result, the underlying blood
clot in the veins is not directly treated, placing patients at risk for developing long-term sequelae
such as post-thrombotic syndrome, which can lead to years of leg pain and discomfort. Using the
Isolated Thrombolysis technique, we are able to provide powerful clot-busting drugs directly to
the area affected, allowing for faster results and fewer immediate and long-term complications.”
DVTs are common but are sometimes overlooked. A simple ultrasound can detect a
DVT. The National Institute of Health states that risks for developing DVT include prolonged
sitting (such as on long plane or car trips) or bed rest. It also may be caused by recent surgery,
fractures, childbirth within the last 6 months, and the use of medications such as estrogen and
birth control pills. Risks also include overproduction of red blood cells in bone marrow
(polycythemia vera), cancerous (malignant) tumor, and a condition in which the blood is more
likely to clot (hypercoagulability). Deep venous thrombosis is most common in adults over age
60, but it can occur in any age group.
-# #About Charlotte Radiology
Since 1967, Charlotte Radiology is one of the largest and most progressive radiology groups in
the Southeast, and its physicians are considered the area’s imaging experts. The practice consists
of more than 60 board certified radiologists with training in a range of specialties from
Mammography to Musculoskeletal and Pediatrics to Interventional Radiology. On the web at
www.charlotteradiology.com
References:
1 - https://www.preventdvt.org/aboutDvt.aspx
2 - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000156.htm