[Long-term heparinotherapy in the treatment of acute venous thromboses].

This is a retrospective analytical study of the results of prolonged heparin therapy: 4 to 6 days for calf phlebitis--10 days for phlebitis reaching the level of the inguinal ligament with in both cases subcutaneous heparin injections for a further 1 to 2 months. Monitoring venography was carried out and demonstrated evidence of a lytic effect on the clot but not in all cases. In 33 cases control venography demonstrated that 2 groups of patients could be distinguished. In the first group, plethysmographic parameters were rapidly normalized (probably corresponding to lysis of the clot). In the second group, there was a slow and progressive improvement in these parameters (probably corresponding to the development of collateral circulation). The persistence of plethysmographic signs of venous stasis in certain patients constitutes an argument in favor of the maintenance of heparin therapy until an almost normal venous emptying index is established.