Recently, FV Hospital successfully treated vein thrombosis of the left thigh using the hybrid technique. FV is one of the few hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City to apply this advanced protocol.

Mr HN, a 58-year-old patient with a history of prostate cancer, arrived at FV Hospital with a swollen, inflamed and sore left leg, which had made it very difficult for HN to walk since his first visit to FVH for cancer treatment six months prior. He was admitted to FV’s Vascular Surgery Department for examination and diagnosis using ultrasound and CT scanner.

Dr Luong Ngoc Trung diagnosed Mr HN with recurrent chronic vein thrombosis (blood clot) in the left thigh. Dr Trung decided to restore the patient’s blood circulation through the veins of the thigh to rehabilitate his muscles, prevent leg ulcers due to post-thrombotic syndrome and prevent metastatic effects of thrombosis to Mr HN’s lungs, the latter of which may have been fatal.

The hybrid technique was applied via three techniques simultaneously: the insertion of a vena cava filter beneath the thrombosis to avoid heart thrombosis; the insertion of stent under the left thigh vein; and removal of the thrombosis followed by plastic surgery to repair the tissue. After four hours, the surgery concluded successfully and the patient recovered well. The swelling disappeared and the circumference of his thigh decreased from 62 cm to 45 cm, which meant both legs were now the same size. Mr HN has now been able to return to his usual daily activities.

Dr Trung says that acute deep vein thrombosis is associated with a risk of pulmonary embolism due to the fact that a blood clot that travels towards the heart could increase risk of death by up to 60 per cent. If not treated within two weeks, the thrombosis becomes a chronic disease with a risk of post-thrombotic syndrome. Severe complications include decreased mobility, chronic inflammation and ulceration of the thrombotic area.

Previously, this disease has been treated with anticoagulant which was effective only in the acute phase (the first two weeks of the disease), and only in around a third of patients – after anticoagulation therapy, 60 per cent to 70 per cent of patients go on to develop chronic thrombotic disease. By applying the hybrid technique, blood circulation impeded due to chronic thrombosis is restored, enabling patients to avoid post-thrombotic ulceration, recover quickly and enjoy an improved quality of life.

FV Hospital is equipped with the latest advanced treatment methods and equipment, and is staffed by a team of experienced specialists to offer patients premium service with optimal treatment results.