Deep Vein Thrombosis

Definition

Deep Vein Thrombosis begins with the formation of blood clots (thrombi) in the deep veins of the leg or pelvis, and occasionally the arm. The clots cause a slowing the return of blood to the heart, and a clot may break free and move through the blood stream to create blood flow blockage in other areas of the body. Pulmonary Embolism is another rare possibility in predisposed individuals.

About half of the people with DVT have no symptoms at all.

The most noted DVT symptoms are:

  • Skin changes or discoloration

  • Ulcers and varicose and/or spider veins

  • Aching, swelling, or throbbing in the leg

  • SwelIing in the calf, ankle, foot, thigh, or arm

There are also some people with DVT who may not experience any the above symptoms, while other do. Plus, symptoms of chest pain or shortness of break can also be caused by a pulmonary embolism.

Three key factors can contribute to deep vein thrombosis: 

  • Injury to a vein’s lining

  • An increased tendency for blood to clot

  • Slowing of blood flow

Veins may be injured due to blood clots, surgery, injection of irritating substances, or disorders,  ranging from cancer to inherited diseases. Certain drugs, including oral contraceptives, estrogen therapy, or drugs that act like estrogen (such as tamozifen and raloxifene), can also cause blood to clot more readily. 

Additional risk factors include advanced age, obesity, immobilization, and/or tobacco use.

Treatment cannot eliminate the risk of deep vein thrombosis, but that risk can be reduced through the prevention.

For people at risk of DVT, some recommendations for prevention are: 

  • Elevate your legs whenever possible

  • During long trips, get up every two hours and walk for a couple of minutes 

  • Every 30 minutes, flex and extend your ankles 10 times to pump your leg’s calf muscles

  • Wear compression stockings as recommended by your physician

  • Take anti-coagulants as prescribed by your physician

  • In-office procedures (minimally invasive) may include endovenous laser ablation, radio frequency ablation, micro-phlebectomy and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy 

  • Hospital procedures (minimally invasive) are thrombolysis and venography  

You can depend on the expert team of medical professionals at Vascular Tyler to help you determine your best treatment options, based on your test results. 

For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 903.533.8702.

Testimonials

The Patient Experience

Dr. Robbins looked at my imaging and made an appointment that same day for me to come in. At Vascular Tyler, it’s just like a family environment every time I come in here. If I have to go the doctor’s (office), this is where I want to go.
L. Cunningham, Patient
We don’t want to spend a whole lot of time with rehabilitation or in some sort of medical facility, so it was great discovering that there’s only little or no downtime. It was a matter of hours instead of days or weeks.
B. Finch, Patient
I had excruciating pain and was told I needed a knee replacement. But Dr. Robbins said I just need vascular surgery. They gave me relief from my pain, and they’re kind and interested in you as a patient and a person. This is the place to come.
M. Finch, Patient

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