Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when your blood thickens in a clump that becomes solid, forming a clot. As a result: the blood return from the leg is obstructed resulting in congestion and painful swelling in the leg.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) requires prompt attention; as it is critical to start the treatment immediately  to prevent pulmonary Embolism (PE); which is thrombosis of the veins supplying the lungs.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Symptoms:

DVT can cause mild pain with swelling, but also it might result in severe disabling pain with severe swelling that threatens the leg viability.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Causes:

Inactivity such as after a major operation  especially Orthopedic procedures, Cancer and certain other diseases and genetic conditions, called hypercoagulable states, that cause your blood to clot more easily.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Treatments:

DVT is usually treated with Blood thinners medication.

– Blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, are the most common medicines used for treating DVT. They prevent blood clots from getting larger by decreasing your blood’s ability to clot. Blood thinners can be taken as a pill, as an injection or intravenously (through an IV). This depends on the  patient’s medical condition and the severity of the disease.

– Endovenous procedures as Angio-Jet thrombectomy device or Catheter Thrombolytic delivery. In general these modalities work by delivering thrombolytic therapy or breaking and removing blood clot is sometimes; for instance in severe cases that are disabling for the patient. These will result in quickly dissolving the  blood clot.

– An IVC filter placed inside the inferior vena cava, one of the largest veins in the body, may be an option. The filter does not stop a blood clot from forming, but can prevent a large clot from travelling to your lungs.

Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):

Prevention or minimizing the risk of DVT is of utmost important in all patients admitted to the hospital. Also patients who are bed bound at home should receive a prophylactic blood thinner to prevent DVT occurrence. In general it is advised to avoid sitting for a long time especially on long flights and road trips.