Beyond survival: rethinking rehabilitation approaches for venous thromboembolism patients

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Due to the decline in mortality during the acute phase of the disease, an increasing number of patients experience long-term complications such as postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). These complications significantly reduce patients' quality of life while imposing a substantial economic burden. This article therefore argues for a paradigm shift in VTE patient management, from treating the acute condition to managing the chronic disease with a continuous rehabilitation process. The phases of the disease (acute, subacute, and chronic), which determine the nature of rehabilitation interventions, are thoroughly discussed. The stages of medical rehabilitation are outlined, along with the structure and functions of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team. Particular attention is paid to personalized rehabilitation approaches in various clinical scenarios, such as following a pulmonary embolism, severe PTS with trophic ulcers, CTEPH, as well as in oncology patients, pregnant women, the elderly, athletes and individuals with an implanted vena cava filter. Emerging prospects include cellular technologies, artificial intelligence for risk prediction and telemedicine to improve treatment adherence. However, key organizational barriers remain, primarily limited access to rehabilitation services and a lack of standardized protocols. Hence, integrating rehabilitation as an essential component throughout all stages of VTE patient management not only prevents disabling complications, but also restores functional status, ensuring psychosocial adaptation and improving quality of life for these patients.

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