Rate of Endothelialization in Venous Thrombi

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Abstract
• Little is known about the rate of endothelialization of venous thrombi. This study was performed to determine the time required for complete endothelialization of the head of standardized thrombi in medium-sized veins (4 to 5 mm) in dogs. This information was sought to help determine the optimal duration of anticoagulation therapy in patients with acute venous thrombi. While endothelial growth was observed as early as three days, endothelialization of the head of the thrombus was not complete until 14 days in seven of eight venous thrombi. These experimental findings suggest that therapeutic anticoagulation should be continued for at least ten to 14 days if maximum benefit is to be achieved. (Arch Surg 1982;117:1045-1048)