ObjectiveTo explore the effect of catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) in treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis (ADVT) in lower extremity. MethodsLimb circumference at 15 cm above and below the knee at affected side, as well as patency improvement score of 46 patients with ADVT in lower extremity, who received treatment in The Rocket Army General Hospital of PLA between January 2014 and October 2015, were colleted retrospectively, to analyze the effect of CDT in treatment of ADVT in lower extremity. ResultsAll patients were placed catheter successfully, 5 patients were placed catheter by 'contralateral mountain' technique retrograde, 40 patients were placed catheter through the limb popliteal vein at affected side anterograde, guiding by ultrasound, 1 patient was placed catheter through femoral vein at affected side. All of 46 patients got successful thrombolysis, and thrombolysis time was (4.7±1.8) d (3-12 d). There were 8 patients suffered from complications in different situation, and got treatment of drug withdrawal or tube drawing all ease, no one died. Compared with before CDT treatment in same group, the limb circumference at 15 cm above (P=0.028, P=0.017, P=0.031) and below (P=0.035, P=0.038, P=0.047) the knee at affected side, and patency improvement score (P=0.023, P=0.028, P=0.031) in all patients group, 22-45 years group, and 46-74 years group were all lower after CDT treatment. The limb circumference at 15 cm above (P=0.073, P=0.387, P=0.358) and below (P=0.416, P=0.625, P=0.253) the knee at affected side after CDT treatment were not differed with corresponding indexes of healthy side in the same group of all patients group, 22-45 years group, and 46-74 years group. Ultrasound after treatment showed that, blood vessel recanalization occurred in 15 patients (32.6%), partial blood vessel recanalization occurred in 28 patients (60.9%), but thrombus of 3 patients (6.5%) didn't removed, the total effective rate was 93.5% (43/46). Forty three patients were followed up for 1-24 months, the median is 18-month. During follow-up period, skin color obviously deepened after the activity occurred in 5 patients, obvious limb acid bilges occurred in 19 patients, vein thrombosis (DVT) recurred in 9 patients of 28 patients with partial blood vessel recanalization, in addition, thrombosis syndrome (PTS) occurred in 11 patients. ConclusionCDT is the most direct and effective way to treat ADVT.