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About Deep Vein Thrombosis

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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling. Sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs due to the formation of blood clots in the deep veins that are located in the body. These clots usually develop in the lower legs, thigh or pelvis, but can also appear in other parts of the body. Deep vein thrombosis can be serious because blood clots in the veins can break loose. The clots can then travel through the bloodstream and get stuck in the lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism). When DVT and pulmonary embolism occur together, it's called venous thromboembolism (VTE).

How does it form?

A deep vein thrombosis typically forms due to a slow circulation of blood in the veins. This slow movement of blood can result in the formation of blood clots in the veins located deep inside your body. 

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Types of disease

Acute deep vein thrombosis
Chronic deep vein thrombosis

Causes

Symptoms

  • Age. Being older than 60 increases the risk of DVT. But DVT can occur at any age.

  • Lack of movement. 

  • Injury or surgery. Injury to the veins or surgery can increase the risk of blood clots.

  • Pregnancy. 

  • Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy. Both can increase the blood's ability to clot.

  • Being overweight or obese. 

  • Smoking

  • Cancer. 

  • Heart failure. 

  • Inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis increase the risk of DVT.

  • A personal or family history of DVT or PE. 

  • Genetics. 

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) symptoms can include:

  • Leg swelling

  • Leg pain, cramping or soreness that often starts in the calf

  • Change in skin color on the leg — such as red or purple, depending on the color of your skin

  • A feeling of warmth on the affected leg

  • Deep vein thrombosis can occur without noticeable symptoms.

If you develop symptoms of a pulmonary embolism (PE) — a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis — seek emergency medical help.

The warning signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:

  • Sudden shortness of breath

  • Chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or when you cough

  • Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

  • Fainting

  • Rapid pulse

DIAGNOSIS

  • D-dimer blood test: D-dimer is a type of protein produced due to the formation of blood clots. A D-dimer test is used to measure the presence of the protein fragment that is released due to the breaking up of the blood clots. This test also helps in ruling out the possibility of a condition of pulmonary embolism.

  • Duplex Ultrasound: This is a standard imaging test that helps in diagnosing a condition of DVT. During the test, the doctor or technician uses sound waves to determine the blood flow and detect the presence of any blockage or blood clots located deep in the veins with the help of a transducer. 

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: This is an imaging test that uses radio waves and a magnetic field to provide images of the body. An MRI scan helps in diagnosing a condition of DVT in the veins of the abdomen. Generally, this test is used to diagnose the condition in patients for whom an ultrasound examination is unfeasible or inappropriate.

  • Venography: This is a type of X-ray that involves the injecting of a dye into a large vein in the foot or ankle. The X-ray then creates images of the veins in the legs and feet, which helps the doctor to look for the presence of blood clots. However, since this is an invasive procedure, it is mostly replaced by a duplex ultrasonography and is only used in certain patients.

Complications of DVT:

Complications of DVT can include:

  • Pulmonary embolism (PE). PE is a potentially life-threatening complication associated with DVT. It occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) in a leg or other body area breaks free and gets stuck in a blood vessel in a lung.

  • Get immediate medical help if you have symptoms of PE. They include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain while breathing in or coughing, rapid breathing, rapid pulse, feeling faint or fainting, and coughing up blood.

  • Postphlebitic syndrome. Damage to the veins from the blood clot reduces blood flow in the affected areas. Symptoms include leg pain, leg swelling, skin color changes and skin sores.

  • Treatment complications. Blood thinners are often used to treat DVT. Bleeding (hemorrhage) is a worrisome side effect of blood thinners. It's important to have regular blood tests while taking blood-thinning drugs.

How to prevent it?

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Image by Jo Sonn
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Lifestyle changes may help prevent deep vein thrombosis. Try these strategies:

  • Move your legs. If you've had surgery or have been on bed rest, try to move as soon as possible. Don't cross your legs while sitting. Doing so can block blood flow.

    When traveling, take frequent breaks to stretch your legs. When on a plane, stand or walk occasionally. If you're traveling by car, stop every hour or so and walk around. If you can't walk, do lower leg exercises. Raise and lower your heels while keeping your toes on the floor. Then raise your toes while keeping your heels on the floor.

  • Don't smoke. Smoking increases the risk of DVT.

  • Manage weight. Obesity is a risk factor for DVT. Regular exercise lowers the risk of blood clots. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight, maintain weight loss or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more.

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS SPECIALISTS DOCTORS

Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience

Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience

Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience

Types of Kidney Stone Surgery

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  • Inferior vena cava (IVC) Filter: This is a metallic device that is placed inside the inferior vena cava that runs through the abdomen. IVC filters help in reducing the risk of pulmonary embolism by trapping blood clots and preventing them from reaching the lungs. During the procedure, an incision is made around the abdomen and a catheter is inserted into the vein which is guided by an X-ray. The filter is then placed over the blood clot inside the vein and gradually, it attaches itself to the walls of the vein.  This method of treatment is usually prescribed if you are unable to take medicines to thin your blood.

 

  • Catheter-directed thrombolysis: This is a minimally invasive procedure that dissolves the abnormal blood clots present in the blood vessels to help improve blood flow and prevent any further damage to the tissues and organs. Catheter-directed thrombolysis uses a catheter, guided by X-ray imaging that helps in applying the medical device to the site of a blood clot in order to dissolve the blockage.

 

  • Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy/Angioplasty: This is considered very safe and effective for treating a condition of acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis.  A percutaneous thrombectomy is combined with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty that includes the insertion of a catheter attached with a small inflatable balloon through a tiny incision around the site of the clot. Once the balloon is inserted, it is inflated and slowly pulled back outside, entirely removing the clot within the vein.

 

  • Open thrombectomy: Also known as venous thrombectomy, this is a procedure that involves a surgical removal of the blood clot present inside an artery or a vein. During this procedure, the surgeon makes cuts or incisions in the blood vessels around the blood clot. Once the blood clot is identified, the surgeon removes the blood clot before repairing the blood vessels and the tissues.

SEVERITY OF THE DISEASE:

Grade I

Normal Blood Flow

Grade II

Coagulation

Grade III

Venous Thrombosis

Grade IV

Pulmonary Embolism

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