Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. It affects about 300,000 Americans each year. Standard treatment is anticoagulation — blood thinners like apixaban, rivaroxaban, or warfarin — to prevent the clot from growing or breaking off and traveling to the lungs.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing new oral anticoagulants with fewer bleeding risks, clot-dissolving treatments for severe cases, and strategies to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome, the chronic leg pain and swelling that affects many people after DVT. Researchers are also studying which patients can safely stop anticoagulation earlier and which need lifelong treatment.
Post-thrombotic syndrome prevention
Up to half of DVT patients develop chronic leg symptoms. Trials are testing compression strategies, early clot removal, and anti-inflammatory approaches to prevent this complication.
Catheter-directed thrombolysis
For extensive clots, studies are testing whether dissolving the clot directly through a catheter prevents long-term damage better than anticoagulation alone. Early results show improved valve function in some patients.
Shorter anticoagulation
Some patients may need only three months of blood thinners instead of longer courses. Trials are identifying which people can safely stop treatment early based on clot location and cause.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on clot location and extent, whether this is a first clot or recurrent, known triggers like surgery or cancer, and time since diagnosis.
What types of trials are currently open
- Anticoagulation trials — Testing new blood thinners or comparing durations of treatment to find the best balance between preventing new clots and minimizing bleeding risk.
- Clot removal trials — Studies of catheter-based procedures that dissolve or remove clots directly, usually for large clots that cause severe symptoms.
- Prevention trials — Testing compression devices, medications, or other strategies to prevent DVT in high-risk situations like surgery or long hospitalizations.
- Post-thrombotic syndrome trials — Studies of treatments to prevent or reduce chronic leg pain, swelling, and skin changes that can follow DVT.
- Biomarker studies — Research to identify blood tests or imaging markers that predict who needs longer anticoagulation or who is at risk for complications.
Recently added Deep Vein Thrombosis trials
Complete non-invasive scans to help develop better clot monitoring
The purpose of this study is to collect data on blood circulation using a multi-frequency impedance plethysmography device developed in the ThrombUS+ project. Impedance plethysmography (IPG) is a non-invasive method that measures changes in blood volume using electrodes placed on the skin. The collected data will be used for device development, the improvement of diagnostic data analysis methods, and AI training. A total of 40 participants will be recruited for this study, with 20 healthy volunteers in Tampere University and 20 patients undergoing thrombolytic therapy for DVT at Tampere University Hospital.
PROfunda Femoris Vein Thrombosis Evaluation and Clearance to Improve Outcomes of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Iliofemoral Deep Vein Thrombosis
Patients with iliofemoral vein thrombosis are prone to developing post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). The profunda femoris vein (PFV) is an important inflow of the iliofemoral vein. Profunda femoris vein thrombosis clearance (PFV-TC) may improve the patency of iliofemoral vein and reduce the occurrence of PTS.
Find Deep Vein Thrombosis trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.