Prevention, treatment and prognosis of thrombosis

Venous thrombosis (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) is a frequent and potentially fatal condition. Throughout the clinical course of venous thrombosis, several choices regarding diagnostic and therapeutic management must be tailored to the individual patient to achieve optimal treatment results and hence, prognosis. Furthermore, knowledge on risk factors and predictors of thrombosis will lead to optimal prevention strategies.

Focus on making a difference for patients

Our research activities focus on making the best management decisions throughout the entire patient pathway, including prevention of disease. We lead and participate in large national and international clinical trials within the Dutch Thrombosis Network, PEITHO network and INVENT VTE. Studies that are performed within our research group all have a very clear focus on solving current uncertainties in clinical decision making and improving long-term quality of life. The results of these studies change international guidelines and clinical practice.

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Focus on making a difference for patients

Our research activities focus on making the best management decisions throughout the entire patient pathway, including prevention of disease. We lead and participate in large national and international clinical trials within the Dutch Thrombosis Network, PEITHO network and INVENT VTE. Studies that are performed within our research group all have a very clear focus on solving current uncertainties in clinical decision making and improving long-term quality of life. The results of these studies change international guidelines and clinical practice.

Innovation in care for patients with venous thrombosis

Novel treatment possibilities for venous thrombosis, both interventional as well as pharmacological, have been introduced in the past years or are about to be introduced. We run study programs to determine which patients may benefit most from these novel treatment modalities. Moreover, we have a strong focus on long-term outcomes, including persistent symptoms of pain or dyspnea, but also functional outcomes, quality of life and psychosocial sequala such as anxiety and depression. Our research group is word-leading in developing and validating tools to measure these long-term complications, implementing these tools in routine practice and studying interventions aimed at improving quality of life.

Optimal prevention of venous thrombosis

Ultimately, prevention of venous thrombosis will most effectively reduce burden of disease. For several situations where we know that the risk of venous thrombosis is increased, anticoagulant treatment is given, which is fairly effective in reducing this high risk. However, the drawback of such treatment is a high risk of bleeding.

In our studies we apply state-of-the-art statistical techniques to large datasets that consist of both clinical and laboratory data. This way, individual risk profiles can be developed that identify persons at high risk of thrombosis. Based on these profiles, individual prevention strategies can be developed, to reduce both venous thrombosis and bleeding complications.

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Themes for Innovation

Team Members

  • Dr. M.V. Huisman, Internist-Vascular Medicine
  • Dr. F.A. Klok, Internist-Vascular Medicine
  • Dr. S.C Cannegieter
  • H.J. Kaptein, MD – PhD fellow
  • M.M. de Jong, MD – PhD fellow
  • Luijten, MD - PhD fellow
  • S.L. Martens, MD - PhD fellow
  • F.B. van der Horst, MD - PhD fellow
  • L.I Burggraaf, MD – PhD fellow
  • Camilleri, MD – PhD fellow
  • J.S. Anijs, PhD fellow
  • M.J.R. Smeets, MD – PhD fellow

Key publications