Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) develops in one or more of your body's deep veins, generally in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause pain or swell in the legs, but it can also occur without symptoms.

You can get DVT if you have certain medical conditions that affect the way your blood clots. After you don't move for a long period, such as after surgery or an accident, when travelling a long distance, or when you're on bed rest, a blood clot might form in your legs.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT, also called vein thrombosis) is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein in the body. Blood flow via the vein might be partially or fully blocked by a clot. Most DVTs occur in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but

They can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the

Deep vein thrombosis is a dangerous condition in which blood clots in the veins dislodge, travel through the circulation, and become lodged in the lungs, obstructing blood flow (pulmonary embolism). However, pulmonary embolism can occur without evidence of DVT. When DVT and pulmonary embolism occur together, it is called venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Symptoms of Deep vein thrombosis

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of DVT only occur in about half of the people with this condition.

Common symptoms of DVT include:

If so, common symptoms include:

People may not realize they have DVT until they undergo emergency treatment for a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung). A pulmonary embolism can occur when a DVT clot moves from the arm or leg to the lung. When an artery in the lung becomes blocked, it is life-threatening and requires emergency care.

What Causes Deep vein thrombosis

DVT is caused by a blood clot. The clot blocks a vein, preventing blood from circulating properly in your body. Clotting can occur for several reasons. These include:

How is Deep vein thrombosis Diagnosed?

A DVT comprises a physical examination as well as a study of your medical history. You will also need tests. The following tests are commonly used to detect a DVT:

A Duplex venous ultrasound

This is the most common test used to diagnosis Deep vein thrombosis. It displays the blood flow in the veins as well as any blood clots. While scanning your arm or leg, an ultrasound technician will apply pressure. If the pressure does not cause the vein to compress, it could mean that there is a blood clot.

Venography

This test uses x-rays to show your deep veins. A special dye (contrast material) is injected into the veins so that X-rays show the veins and blood clots. Any blockage in blood flow can also be seen. A venogram may be used if the results of the duplex ultrasound are unclear.

Other tests you may have include:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV)

MRI shows images of organs and structures within the body, and MRV shows images of blood vessels in the body. In many cases, MRI and MRV can provide more information than an X-ray.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Computed Tomography (CT) is a type of x-ray that shows structures inside the body. A CT scan can be used to find a DVT in the abdomen or pelvis, as well as blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism).

Treatment of Deep vein thrombosis

DVT is a serious medical condition. If you suspect you're having DVT symptoms, call your doctor or go to the local emergency hospital straight once. A healthcare professional can check your symptoms.

DVT treatments focus on preventing the clot from growing. Also, treatment can help prevent a pulmonary embolism and reduce the risk of more clots.

Medicine

Your doctor may prescribe medications to thin your blood, such as:

Anticoagulants make it difficult for your blood to clot. They also keep existing clots as small as possible and decrease the chance that you will develop more clots.

If blood thinners don't work or if the DVT is severe, your doctor may use thrombolytic drugs. People with DVT in the upper extremities can also benefit from this drug.

Thrombolytic drugs work by breaking up clots. You will receive them intravenously (through a vein).

Compression Socks

If you are at high risk for thrombosis, wearing compression stockings can prevent swelling and reduce the chance of developing clots.

Compression stockings come just below the knee or just above the knee. Your doctor may recommend that you use them every day

Filters

If you cannot take blood thinners, you may need to place a filter inside the large abdominal vein called the vena cava. By preventing clots from entering your lungs, this therapy helps to avoid pulmonary embolisms.

Compression stockings come just below the knee or just above the knee. Your doctor may recommend that you use them every day

Surgery

If you have a DVT clot in your arm or leg, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove it. This is generally recommended for very large blood clots or clots that cause serious problems, such as tissue damage.

Your surgeon will make an incision in a blood artery during a surgical thrombectomy, or operation to remove a blood clot. They will locate and remove the clot. Then they will repair the blood vessels and tissue.

In some cases, they can use a small inflatable balloon to keep the blood vessel open while they remove the clot. When the clot is discovered and removed, the balloon is also removed.

Surgery is not without risks, so many doctors will only use this treatment in severe cases. The risks include:

Can a DVT Be Prevented?

After having a DVT, you will need to reduce your risk of future clots by:

If you've never had a DVT, but are at higher risk of developing it, make sure you:

Frequently Asked Questions