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Read MoreDeep vein thrombosis is a condition in which blood clots form in the deep veins, most commonly in the legs, causing pain, swelling and discomfort. Early recognition and prompt treatment are essential to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications like a pulmonary embolism.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) happens when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins, most often in the legs or pelvis. When blood flow slows down or becomes uneven, tiny cell fragments called platelets and a protein called fibrin can accumulate and stick to the vessel wall. Over time, the clot can grow and partially or fully block the vein, leading to pain, swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the affected limb.
Types of Deep Vein Thrombosis by location and extent
- Proximal DVT: Clots in the large veins above the knee, such as the femoral or iliac veins, which have a higher risk of traveling to the lungs
- Distal DVT: Clots in the smaller veins below the knee, such as the calf veins, which may remain localized but still require monitoring
- Upper Extremity DVT: Clots in deep veins of the arm, often related to catheter use or repetitive arm movements
- Chronic DVT: Long-standing clots that have not fully resolved and may lead to post-thrombotic syndrome with symptoms like persistent pain and swelling
Deep Vein Thrombosis Risk Factors
Several factors contribute to DVT development, including slow or turbulent blood flow, called venous stasis, which can happen during prolonged immobility, vein wall injuries from surgery or trauma and increased blood coagulability due to genetic or acquired conditions.
Other risk factors include age, obesity, smoking, hormone therapy or pregnancy, certain chronic illnesses and a previous history of blood clots. Identifying these risks early helps guide prevention and prompt treatment.
What are the Symptoms of DVT?
DVT symptoms can vary but often include one or more of the following signs:
- Leg pain or tenderness, often felt in the calf or thigh, especially when standing or walking
- Swelling that usually happens in one leg, making it appear larger than the other
- Red or discolored skin around the affected area
- Warmth on the skin around the clot
- Heaviness or an aching sensation of fullness or heaviness in the leg
- Muscle cramps that often start in the calf
- Visible surface veins that may become more prominent or engorged
How is DVT Diagnosed?
DVT diagnosis involves reviewing your symptoms, medical history and risk factors. A D-dimer blood test checks for clot fragments in your blood. Most often, a duplex ultrasound confirms DVT by showing blood flow and any clots in your veins. If results are inconclusive, venography, an X-ray that uses injected contrast dye and imaging like CT or MRI may be used for a more detailed view or when a proximal DVT is suspected to be present.
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DVT Treatment Options
Compression Stockings and Leg Elevation
As part of a comprehensive DVT care plan, wearing graded compression stockings and elevating your leg help reduce swelling and improve blood flow, easing symptoms and lowering the risk of long-term vein damage.
Mobility and Exercise
Gentle walking and calf-strengthening exercises encourage circulation in the leg, helping prevent clot extension and promoting gradual clot resolution.
Anticoagulation Therapy
Blood thinners prevent existing clots from growing and reduce the risk of new clots forming. These therapies typically last for at least three months, depending on risk factors.
Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter Placement
If you cannot take blood-thinning medications or they aren’t keeping clots from forming, a small filter inserted into the IVC can prevent clots from traveling to the lungs, providing temporary or long-term protection.
Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis
Catheter-directed thrombolysis is a minimally invasive procedure in which a catheter delivers clot-dissolving medication directly into the thrombus. This treatment is reserved for extensive or limb-threatening DVT when rapid clot removal is needed.
Surgical Thrombectomy
Your doctor may recommend open or endovascular clot removal when other treatments fail or in cases of massive DVT causing severe limb ischemia. This approach carries higher procedural risks and requires careful patient selection.
Our Approach to DVT Treatment
At Inspira, we act fast to diagnose and treat deep vein thrombosis. Our team coordinates your care from your first visit, ensuring quick testing and prompt expert consultation. Whether you need same-day imaging, prompt anticoagulation management or compression therapy guidance, we are here for you. We focus on prevention and long-term support. Our nurses and patient educators provide education on lifestyle changes, follow-up care and monitoring to help prevent DVT from returning. We guide you through every step, so you can recover quickly and maintain healthy veins.
