Objective To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic portal vein catheterization and thrombolysis on acute superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. Methods The treatment and therapeutic efficacy of 7 cases of acute superior mesenteric vein thrombosis underwent percutaneous transhepatic portal vein catheterization and thrombolysis under ultrasound guidance from August 2005 to April 2009 were analyzed. Results All the patients succeeded in portal vein catheterization and no bile leakage or abdominal bleeding occurred during the procedure. The clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, abdominal distension， and passing bloody stool relieved were relieved and liquid diet began at postoperative of day 2-5. Emergency operation was done in one case and there was no intestinal fistula. The angiography after the operation showed that the majority of thrombosis were cleared and the blood of portal vein and superior mesenteric vein flowed smoothly. During the follow-up of 3 months to 3 years, all the patients’ status maintained well and no recurrence occurred. Conclusion Treatment of acute superior mesenteric vein thrombosis by percutaneous transhepatic portal vein thrombolysis is safe and effective.