In the C-TRACT trial involving patients with post-thrombotic syndrome, the addition of endovascular treatment to standard care reduced the severity of symptoms and improved quality of life, but increased the risk of bleeding, compared with standard care alone.

Post-thrombotic syndrome often develops after acute proximal deep-vein thrombosis as a result of chronic venous obstruction and elevated central venous pressure. The symptoms, including chronic limb pain, swelling and ulcers, can be severe and impair both leg function and quality of life. The C-TRACT trial was performed to address the uncertainty about whether to treat these patients medically or with an interventional approach.