Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood thickens in a clump to form a blood clot in the deep veins. Typically, the blood clots form in the lower leg, thigh or pelvis, but can also occur in the arm or shoulder. DVT’s can happen to anyone and may lead to serious illness, disability and in some cases death. Although DVT’s are underdiagnosed and serious, they are usually preventable and treatable if discovered early.
- Nearly 300,000 first-time cases of DVT occur in the U.S. every year, usually in the leg. (American Society for Vascular Surgery)
- About half of people with DVT have no symptoms at all. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Signs and Symptoms
- Swelling
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Redness/warmth of the skin
- No symptoms at all
- Leg pain
Risk Factors
- Injury to a vein (fractures, severe muscle injury, major surgery)
- Slow blood flow (confined to bed, limited movement, sitting for long periods, paralysis)
- Increased estrogen (birth control, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy- up to 3 months after giving birth)
- Surgery
- Certain chronic medical illnesses (heart/lung disease, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease- Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
- Previous DVT or pulmonary embolism or family history of either
- Age (risk increases as age increases)
- Obesity
- A catheter located in a central vein
- Inherited clotting disorders
- Cardiovascular disease
- Risk of thrombosis
Detection
If you are concerned by a swollen extremity, a comprehensive evaluation that includes an ultrasound must be completed to properly detect blockages or blood clots in deep veins. A blood test, MRI, CT scan or contrast venography may also be used to diagnose blood clots.
Treatment Options
- Blood thinners or anticoagulants prevent the blood clot from progressing or breaking off and traveling to other part of the body. Blood clots will naturally and slowly be absorbed by the body and further risk of clots developing is greatly reduced.
- In more severe cases, thrombolytics or “clot bustering drugs” may be used to dissolve the clot.
- In rare cases, a surgical procedure called a thrombectomy may be necessary to remove the clot.
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Vascular Institute of the Rockies now offers ClotTriever® to remove Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT’S), an over-the-wire system designed to:
- Mechanically core clot from the vein wall
- Capture and remove large clot burden from big vessels
- Treat in a single session
- Eliminate the need for thrombolytics
- Eliminate ICU stay
Vascular Institute of the Rockies also now offers FlowTriever® to remove Pulmonary Embolisms (PE’s), an over-the-wire system designed to:
- Remove clot through both mechanical and aspiration mechanisms of action
- Capture and remove large clot burden from big vessels
- Treat in a single session
- Eliminate the need for thrombolytics
- Eliminate ICU stay
This advanced treatment for patients at the Vascular Institute of the Rockies aims to serve a large population suffering from DVT and PE, offering them effective solutions.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood thickens and forms a blood clot in the deep veins, usually in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but it can also occur in the arm or shoulder.
Risk factors for DVT include injury to a vein, slow blood flow, increased estrogen levels, surgery, certain chronic medical illnesses such as cancers, previous DVT or pulmonary embolism, age, obesity, a catheter located in a central vein, inherited clotting disorders, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Common symptoms of DVT include swelling, pain, tenderness, and redness or warmth of the skin. However, about half of the people with DVT have no symptoms at all.
Diagnosis of DVT involves a comprehensive evaluation including an ultrasound to detect blockages or blood clots in deep veins. Blood tests, MRI, CT scan, or contrast venography may also be used to diagnose blood clots.
reatment options for DVT include blood thinners or anticoagulants to prevent the clot from progressing or breaking off, thrombolytic therapy to dissolve the clot, and in severe cases, a surgical procedure called a thrombectomy to remove the clot. The Vascular Institute of the Rockies offers ClotTriever® and FlowTriever® systems for mechanical clot removal.
The duration of anticoagulation treatment for DVT varies depending on individual patients and their specific risk factors. Current guidelines suggest an extended treatment duration for patients with chronic risk factors, while those with reversible risk factors might require a shorter duration.
Complications from DVT can include pulmonary embolism (a clot that travels to the pulmonary artery), postthrombotic syndrome, and in some cases, major bleeding due to anticoagulant therapy. Intracranial bleeding is a rare but serious risk associated with therapeutic anticoagulation.
Postthrombotic syndrome is a condition that can occur after DVT, characterized by pain, swelling, and in severe cases, skin ulcers in the affected limb.
Yes, there is a risk of blood clots recurring after treatment, especially if the underlying risk factors are not addressed. Secondary prevention strategies and adherence to clinical guidelines are crucial for managing and reducing this risk.
Current guidelines recommend that patients with cancer and DVT be treated with anticoagulants, considering their higher risk of blood clots. Oral anticoagulants or other forms of therapeutic anticoagulation are often part of the primary treatment, tailored to individual patients based on their medical history and active treatment needs.
Elderly patients should be aware that age increases the risk of developing DVT. Adhering to guidelines for extended treatment and secondary prevention can help manage this risk effectively.
Clinical trials provide evidence-based recommendations for DVT treatment. Randomized trials help establish the safety and efficacy of various treatments, including the use of oral anticoagulants and thrombolytic therapy for DVT.
For unstable patients with DVT, immediate medical attention is critical. Treatment may involve advanced interventions such as thrombolytic therapy or mechanical clot removal using systems like ClotTriever® or FlowTriever® to prevent serious complications like pulmonary embolism or severe venous thrombosis.
Blood vessels, specifically deep veins, are where DVT occurs. A clot in these vessels can obstruct blood flow, leading to various symptoms and potentially severe complications if not treated promptly.
Patients can reduce their risk of DVT by staying active, managing chronic illnesses, following medical guidelines, and addressing both reversible and chronic risk factors. Regular check-ups and following a physician's recommendations are also crucial for prevention.