Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)

A Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins in the body. This can occlude blood flow and cause swelling and pain in the extremities. DVTs have the potential to be very dangerous because they can travel and cause blockage of blood flow to the lungs. Some medical conditions put patients at risk of developing DVTs.

Risk Factors

• Inactivity, recent periods of prolonged sitting or travel
  
• Recent surgery
  
• Patients who have injury to the vein caused by a catheter
  
• Cancer
  
• Hereditary conditions like Factor V Leiden.
  
• Smoking
  
• Pregnancy
  

Symptoms

• Swelling in the affected leg or arm
• A cramping pain in the affected limb
  
• If a DVT travels to the lungs it can cause a pulmonary embolism, or PE. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism includes sudden shortness of breath, rapid breathing and rapid pulse
  

Diagnosis

• Venous Doppler US: An ultrasound test that looks at the veins and identifies blood clots

Treatment

• Anticoagulation Medication: Patients may be placed on IV or oral anticoagulation agents, commonly referred to as blood thinners, to prevent further clots and to decrease the size of existing clots. The duration of therapy depends on the patient's medical history
• IVC Filter: Patients who are unable to tolerate anticoagulation may be candidates for IVC Filter placement. An IVC Filter is placed by our surgeons in the large vein beneath the heart, the Inferior vena cava. This prevents the blood clot from going to the lungs
• Compression Stockings: compression stockings help with patients' leg swelling. They may also help with the formation of new clots
  

Learn more

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Varicose and Spider Veins
Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Peripheral Aneurysmal Disease
Carotid Artery Disease
Dialysis Access
Wound Care
Vascular Lab
Giant Cell Arteritis
Lymphedema
Mesenteric Ischemia