Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) | Beacon Health System

Overview

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.

You can get DVT if you have certain medical conditions that affect how the blood clots. A blood clot in the legs can also develop if you don’t move for a long time. For example, you might not move a lot when traveling a long distance or when you’re on bed rest due to surgery, an illness or an accident.

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).

Symptoms

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.

When to see a doctor

If you develop symptoms of DVT, contact your health care provider.

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
• Rapid breathing
• Coughing up blood

Causes

Anything that prevents the blood from flowing or properly clotting can cause a blood clot.

The main causes of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are damage to a vein from surgery or inflammation and damage due to infection or injury.

Risk factors

Many things can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The more risk factors you have, the greater your risk of DVT. Risk factors for DVT include:

• Age. Being older than 60 increases the risk of DVT. But DVT can occur at any age.
• Lack of movement. When the legs don’t move for a long time, the calf muscles don’t squeeze (contract). Muscle contractions help blood flow. Sitting for a long time, such as when driving or flying, increases the risk of DVT. So does long-term bed rest, which may result from a lengthy hospital stay or a medical condition such as paralysis.
• Injury or surgery. Injury to the veins or surgery can increase the risk of blood clots.
• Pregnancy. Pregnancy increases the pressure in the veins in the pelvis and legs. The risk of blood clots from pregnancy can continue for up to six weeks after a baby is born. People with an inherited clotting disorder are especially at risk.
• Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy. Both can increase the blood’s ability to clot.
• Being overweight or obese. Being overweight increases the pressure in the veins in the pelvis and legs.
• Smoking. Smoking affects how blood flows and clots, which can increase the risk of DVT.
• Cancer. Some cancers increase substances in the blood that cause the blood to clot. Some types of cancer treatment also increase the risk of blood clots.
• Heart failure. Heart failure increases the risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism. Because the heart and lungs don’t work well in people with heart failure, the symptoms caused by even a small pulmonary embolism are more noticeable.
• Inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis increase the risk of DVT.
• A personal or family history of DVT or PE. If you or someone in your family has had one or both of these conditions, you might be at greater risk of developing DVT.
• Genetics. Some people have DNA changes that cause the blood to clot more easily. One example is factor V Leiden. This inherited disorder changes one of the clotting factors in the blood. An inherited disorder on its own might not cause blood clots unless combined with other risk factors.

Sometimes, a blood clot in a vein can occur with no identifiable risk factor. This is called an unprovoked VTE.

Complications

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.

Prevention

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.

Diagnosis

To diagnose DVT, your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. The provider will check the legs for swelling, tenderness or changes in skin color.

The tests you have depend on whether your provider thinks you are at a low or a high risk of DVT.

Tests

Tests used to diagnose or rule out DVT include:

• D-dimer blood test. D dimer is a type of protein produced by blood clots. Almost all people with severe DVT have increased blood levels of D dimer. This test often can help rule out PE.
• Duplex ultrasound. This noninvasive test uses sound waves to create pictures of how blood flows through the veins. It’s the standard test for diagnosing DVT. For the test, a care provider gently moves a small hand-held device (transducer) on the skin over the body area being studied. Additional ultrasounds may be done over several days to check for new blood clots or to see if an existing one is growing.
• Venography. This test uses X-rays and dye to create a picture of the veins in the legs and feet. The dye is injected into a large vein in the foot or ankle. It helps blood vessels show up more clearly on X-rays. The test is invasive, so it’s rarely done. Other tests, such as ultrasound, often are done first.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. This test may be done to diagnose DVT in veins of the belly (abdomen).

Treatment

There are three main goals to DVT treatment.

• Prevent the clot from getting bigger.
• Prevent the clot from breaking loose and traveling to the lungs.
• Reduce the chances of another DVT.

DVT treatment options include:

• Blood thinners. These medicines, also called anticoagulants, help prevent blood clots from getting bigger. Blood thinners reduce the risk of developing more clots.

  Blood thinners may be taken by mouth or given by IV or an injection under the skin. There are many different types of blood-thinning drugs used to treat DVT. Together, you and your health care provider will discuss their benefits and risks to determine the best one for you.

  You might need to take blood thinner pills for three months or longer. It’s important to take them exactly as prescribed to prevent serious side effects.

  People who take a blood thinner called warfarin (Jantoven) need regular blood tests to monitor levels of the drug in the body. Certain blood-thinning medications are not safe to take during pregnancy.

• Clot busters (thrombolytics). These drugs are used for more-serious types of DVT or PE, or if other medications aren’t working.

  Clot busters are given by IV or through a tube (catheter) placed directly into the clot. They can cause serious bleeding, so they’re usually only used for people with severe blood clots.

• Filters. If you can’t take medicines to thin your blood, a filter may be placed into a large vein — the vena cava — in your belly (abdomen). A vena cava filter prevents clots that break loose from lodging in the lungs.
• Support stockings (compression stockings). These special knee socks help prevent blood from pooling in the legs. They help reduce leg swelling. Wear them on your legs from your feet to about the level of your knees. For DVT, you typically wear these stockings during the day for a few years, if possible.

Lifestyle and home remedies

After DVT treatment, follow these tips to manage the condition and prevent complications or more blood clots:

• Ask about your diet. Foods high in vitamin K, such as spinach, kale, other leafy greens and Brussels sprouts, can interfere with the blood thinner warfarin.
• Take medications as directed. Your provider will tell you how long you need treatment. If you’re taking certain blood thinners, you’ll need regular blood tests to see how well your blood is clotting.
• Watch for excessive bleeding. This can be a side effect of blood thinners. Ask your care provider about the warning signs. Know what to do if bleeding happens. Also ask your provider if you have activity restrictions. Minor injuries that cause bruising or even a simple cut may become serious if you’re taking blood thinners.
• Move. If you’ve been on bed rest because of surgery or other reasons, the sooner you get moving, the lower the chance that blood clots will develop.
• Wear support stockings. Wear these to help prevent blood clots in the legs if your provider recommends them.

Preparing for an appointment

DVT is considered a medical emergency. It’s important to get treated quickly. If there’s time before your appointment, here’s some information to help you get ready.

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to deep vein thrombosis, and when they began
• Important personal information, including notes about travel, hospital stays, any illness, surgery or trauma in the past three months, and any personal or family history of blood-clotting disorders
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your health care provider

If possible, take a family member or friend with you to help you remember the information you’re given.

For DVT, questions to ask your health care provider include:

• What’s the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• What tests do I need?
• What’s the best treatment?
• What are the options other than the main treatment that you’re suggesting?
• Will I need to restrict travel or activities?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider is likely to ask you questions, such as:

• Have you been inactive lately, such as sitting or lying down for long periods?
• Do you always have symptoms, or do they come and go?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, makes your symptoms improve?
• What, if anything, makes your symptoms worse?

Last Updated: June 11th, 2022

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Warning Signs of a Blood Clot

According to the National Blood Clot Alliance, as many as 274 people die on a daily basis from a blood clot. Yet only 1 out of every 4 people know the warning signs of a blood clot. 

At Premier Vein Clinic, our board-certified vascular surgeon, Dr. David Naar wants you to know the signs and symptoms of a blood clot so you can get the medical care you need and not become a statistic.

Contents

• 1 What is a Blood Clot?
• 2 Warning Signs You May Have a Blood Clot
  • 2.1 Legs and Arms
  • 2.2 Lungs
  • 2.3 Abdomen
• 3 Treatment for a Blood Clot

What is a Blood Clot?

Blood that clumps together and turns from a liquid to a more solid state is a blood clot. In the case of a cut or other injury, a blood clot is usually helpful because it stops the bleeding so the area can begin to heal. Unfortunately, a blood clot that forms inside your vein can be dangerous to your health.

Any condition in your vein that prevents your blood from flowing through may lead to a blood clot. An injury, surgery, certain medications, and immobility are common causes. You may be at an increased risk of developing a blood clot if you’re overweight, you’re a smoker, or you have a family history of blood clots. Certain health conditions, such as heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer may also increase your risk of developing a blood clot. 

Once a blood clot forms, it can travel to other parts of your body and lead to life-threatening conditions, such as a pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke. 

Warning Signs You May Have a Blood Clot

A blood clot can develop in many areas of your body. The signs and symptoms you experience may depend on which body part is affected. 

Legs and Arms

A blood clot that develops in the arm or leg is common and is referred to as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). With a DVT you may experience pain, swelling, and a change in the color of your skin in the affected extremity. If your DVT occurs in your leg, you may also develop leg cramps. DVTs are a serious health concern because if the blood clot dislodges from its position in your leg, it can travel to your lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition that affects blood flow to your lungs.   

Lungs

A blood clot in your lungs requires immediate medical attention. Warning signs you may be experiencing a pulmonary embolism include:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing
• Sweating
• Dizziness

It’s very important to know the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism if you have a medical history of DVT. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.

Abdomen

You can also develop blood clots in the veins that remove blood from your intestines. Liver disease, diverticulitis, and use of birth control pills increase your risk of developing a blood clot in these veins. Warning signs include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blood in your stool
• Diarrhea

With an abdominal blood clot you may notice a worsening of your abdominal pain after you eat. 

Blood clots can also form in the blood vessels that supply blood to your heart (leading to a heart attack) or brain (leading to stroke).  

Treatment for a Blood Clot

Treatment for your blood clot may depend on its location and the related health risks. The goal of treatment is to prevent your blood clot from getting larger or breaking loose. Dr. Naar is a highly-respected and skilled vascular surgeon and offers many treatment options for blood clots, including:

• Blood thinners
• Medication to break up the clot
• Compression stockings for DVTs in the legs

Dr. Naar can also insert an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter to stop any blood clot in your leg from reaching your lungs. The filter is placed in the largest vein in your body, the inferior vena cava.

A blood clot can affect anyone at any time. Knowing the early warning signs may help you get the care you need to prevent more serious health complications. For a consultation with Dr. Naar, call Premier Vein Clinic’s office in West Lake, Ohio, or request an appointment online today.

Prevention of thrombosis – reduce the risk of blood clots in the vessels

Thrombosis is one of the most common and at the same time dangerous diseases that, according to statistics, affects about seventy percent of the inhabitants of our planet. Every year, cases of a lethal discharge are recorded among patients suffering from this pathology, and this despite the fact that modern medicine is at a fairly advanced level and has many effective ways to combat the disease. But, as you know, any disease is easier to prevent than to treat, so the importance of preventive measures in the fight against the disease is quite high.

The effectiveness of preventive measures directly depends on how closely the doctor and patient interact. The first of these provides lifestyle recommendations that will minimize the threat of blood clots. The task of the second is to strictly follow these recommendations, and in case of any questions or alarms, inform the specialist about it. A detailed description of the prevention of thrombosis is given in the article.

What is thrombosis

The normal functioning of the human body is ensured by the work of several biological systems, one of which is hemostasis. Its task is to maintain the liquid state of the blood and prevent its viscosity, as well as stop bleeding that occurs when the vascular walls are damaged, and dissolve the formed blood clots. The latter are blood clots that, like a patch, cover the damaged part of the vessel.

So, it is appropriate to talk about the protective function of thrombus formation, because blood clots prevent blood loss, but it can become a provocateur of quite dangerous pathologies that occur against the background of blood circulation disorders:

• myocardial infarction;
• gangrene;
• abdominal ischemia;
• stroke.

It is precisely in order that the protective function does not flow into a pathologically dangerous state that competent prevention of blood clots in the vessels is required. It will reduce the risk of developing serious health problems.

Speaking of pathology, it is worth noting that it consists in a violation of the process of blood flow in a blood vessel due to the complete or partial closure of its lumen by a clot formed. Its symptoms vary depending on which organ (or tissue) is affected by the pathological process. The danger lies in a complicated course, as well as pathological damage to the vessels of the brain, heart or lungs, which is fraught with a fatal outcome.

Risk factors for blood clots

The following factors are not a direct cause of the disease, but increase the risk of developing it:

1. Over 40 years of age. The likelihood of the disease increases in older people, which requires prophylactic medication, which includes acetylsalicylic acid or other antithrombotic agents. A mandatory consultation with a doctor is required in order to prescribe drugs for the prevention of thrombosis.
2. Overweight, when the body mass index is above 30. Unhealthy eating habits cause an increase in the proportion of cholesterol in the blood, which accumulates on the walls of blood vessels and as a result, atherosclerotic plaques form.
3. Prolonged stay in a hospital in a supine position, or prolonged bed rest. Lack of physical activity leads to disruption of blood flow, which makes it thicker.
4. Fractures and other injuries of the lower extremities resulting in damage to blood vessels and increased thrombus formation.
5. Long journeys during which the person is forced to be in a sitting position. This leads to a decrease in the rate of blood flow.
6. Hormonal treatment or contraceptives.
7. Varicose veins affecting the veins of the legs that interfere with blood flow, causing clots to form.
8. Chronic heart failure affecting blood clotting. Prevention of thrombus formation in cardiovascular diseases is important.
9. Tumors and various neoplasms associated with increased blood clotting. In addition, the risk of blood clots increases with chemotherapy.
10. Severe pathological processes affecting the pulmonary system that adversely affect hemostasis.
11. Ischemic stroke, especially if it has led to limitation of motor activity.
12. Sepsis, as well as chronic and acute infections.
13. Pregnancy and the period after childbirth.
14. Tobacco smoking, causing vasoconstriction.
15. Genetic predisposition to hemostasis disorders.
16. Emotional turmoil, anxiety and stress, against which there is a release of large amounts of adrenaline into the vessels, and for this reason they narrow.

Symptoms of thrombosis

Common symptoms of the disease, without reference to the localization of the pathological process, are pain, decreased mobility and disruption of the organ or part of the body, in the tissues of which there are violations of the blood circulation process. Weakness, fever and deterioration of the general condition of a person are also possible.

Prevention of vein thrombosis will largely avoid these signs or reduce their severity. Symptoms of the disease manifest themselves differently in cases with different types of it. The features of each are described below.

Superficial veins of the lower extremities

Symptoms of a pathology affecting the superficial veins of the legs are manifested in:

• feeling of heaviness;
• limited movement;
• painful sensations along the damaged veins, as well as redness of the skin in this area;
• the appearance of edema in the areas of the adjacent part;
• skin sensitization;
• deterioration of the general condition, which manifests itself in malaise and a feeling of weakness, chills and fever.

Deep veins

In the event that deep vein thrombosis occurs in the legs, the following symptoms are observed:

• heaviness and fullness of the limb, its soreness;
• swelling all over the leg or in certain parts of it;
• blanching of the skin, the formation of cyanotic areas in some places;
• an increase in the temperature of the diseased limb by about two degrees.

In the absence of prevention of blood clots and the manifestation of any of the above symptoms, it is necessary to make an appointment with a phlebologist. You should not count on the fact that the disturbing symptoms will go away on their own, because in this case, time will be lost that can be used for productive treatment.

Prevention of blood clots in vessels

Thrombus formation is a natural biological process, which, under normal conditions, not only does not pose a threat to the human body, but also benefits. The danger is the formation of large blood clots and their separation, followed by embolization of blood vessels, which can be triggered by a number of conditions that can often be avoided through preventive measures. Among them:

1. Permanent moderate physical activity. It’s going to be swimming, gymnastics, walking.
2. A healthy diet that involves minimizing the intake of trans fats, cholesterol and fast carbohydrates.
3. Compliance with the drinking regime. Prevention of thrombosis requires the obligatory consumption of liquids daily in sufficient volume, while some drinks are recommended to be excluded.
4. Weight control to prevent extra pounds.
5. Quitting bad habits, including alcohol abuse, smoking, and taking psychoactive drugs.
6. The use of products of compression action during the period of bearing a child and after his birth – with diagnosed varicose veins, as well as in the postoperative period.
7. Wearing clothing that is comfortable and does not put undue pressure on the lower limbs, especially if the person has to sit for long periods of time.
8. Regular monitoring of indicators such as blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
9. Taking medications that have a positive effect on the hemodynamic properties of blood. This item is most relevant for the elderly.

Compliance with the above rules for the prevention of vein thrombosis will not only minimize the threat of developing the disease, but also improve the well-being and general health of a person, and also avoid other undesirable problems. Items such as wearing compression stockings and taking certain medications require a mandatory consultation with a doctor.

Food

The diet, carried out as a preventive measure in order to reduce the threat of thrombosis, is aimed at stabilizing the balance of carbohydrates and lipids, controlling the amount of salt entering the body and introducing bioflavonoids into the diet, which accelerate metabolic processes and can improve the condition of the walls of blood vessels.

This is facilitated by eating:

• lean meats;
• low-fat milk and non-fat fermented milk products;
• whole grain bran bread;
• nuts;
• durum wheat pasta.

To prevent blood clots, you can also eat or drink:

• oily marine fish;
• cereals from various cereals, except barley and wheat;
• vegetable oil;
• dark chocolate;
• vegetables, excluding beets and potatoes;
• fruits, other than some of the types listed below;
• legumes;
• freshly squeezed juice.

To minimize the risk of thrombosis, you need to reduce or completely eliminate the consumption of:

1. Fatty meats and offal.
2. Salted or dried fish.
3. Fruits such as bananas and white grapes.
4. Fatty soft or hard cheese.
5. Butter or combined fats.
6. Chips.
7. Fatty milk and milk products.
8. Sausages and smoked products.
9. Fast food.
10. Muffins, milk chocolate and sweets.
11. Alcoholic and carbonated drinks.

It is important to ensure that your daily salt intake does not exceed six grams. For every third of animal protein, there should be at least two-thirds of fiber and vegetable protein. To prevent blood clots in the vessels, you should add the following:

• vitamins A, E, C and B3;
• bioflavonoids.

Subject to the drinking regime, which involves the consumption of one and a half to two and a half liters of water daily, it is worth remembering that coffee and tea are not included here. The consumption of these drinks should be reduced or completely eliminated.

Overview of blood clots

Preventive measures also include taking medications, but it is important to remember that only a competent specialist should prescribe them. Self-administration of any medication without consulting a doctor is strictly prohibited.

Among the most popular means effective in the prevention of thrombosis and various pathologies of the cardiovascular system, it is worth mentioning:

1. Thrombital , which provides good protection of the body against complications from the cardiovascular system and prevents the threat of ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. For the prevention of thrombosis and CCC pathologies, take two tablets of the drug during the first 24 hours. Further, the dosage is reduced to one tablet daily. The drug has a wide range of contraindications, which requires mandatory consultation with a doctor.
2. Dipyridamole blocks platelet adhesion and aggregation and has a positive effect on microcirculation. It is characterized by a mild vasodilating effect. Tablets are taken orally. The dosage is determined by the doctor depending on the indications. The drug has a number of contraindications.
3. Clopidogrel is a drug that helps reduce the tendency of platelets to aggregate. Able to prevent atherothrombosis, regardless of the location of the affected vessels. Dosage, indications and contraindications are determined by the doctor.

Thrombophlebitis of the veins of the lower extremities ✅ Cost of thrombosis treatment in Moscow

Thrombophlebitis (or thrombosis of superficial veins) is an inflammatory disease of the veins, accompanied by the formation of blood clots. The inner wall of the venous vessel changes its properties, the blood flow slows down. Favorable conditions are created for the formation of venous thrombi, which are firmly attached to the inflamed vessel. Timely treatment can lead to the dissolution of the thrombus, the removal of inflammation and the restoration of the venous lumen, which will not interfere with blood circulation. Without treatment, thrombophlebitis progresses rapidly, leads to complications and can result in disability!

Symptoms of thrombophlebitis

• thickening and soreness along the inflamed veins,
• swelling of the legs,
• increase in local and sometimes general temperature,
• heaviness and arching pain in the calf muscles

In the chronic course of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities, the disease can be complicated by the formation of ulcers, muscle atrophy.

Causes of thrombophlebitis

Thrombosis can be provoked by the following factors:

• Mechanical damage: trauma or compression of limbs, injections and prolonged use of drips and operations
• Poor blood supply: Prolonged use of a cast and physical inactivity can reduce blood flow to certain parts of the body. In rare cases, slow blood flow can be the result of heart failure.
• Violation of blood flow in the veins caused by venous insufficiency. This complication can be triggered by pregnancy, diseases of the pelvic organs, etc.
• Increased blood clotting. Long-term use of hormonal drugs, mismatch between estrogen and progesterone levels, infections – all this can change the viscosity and uniformity of blood and plasma.

Thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities can be caused by a number of diseases, such as:

• obesity;
• allergic reactions;
• taking certain drugs and chemicals (eg, diazepam, amiodarone, vancomycin, chemotherapy drugs, heroin).
• autoimmune disorders including systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, Behçet’s and Buerger’s diseases.
• varicose veins

Classification and stages of the development of the disease

The depth of the lesion is distinguished

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Superficial thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities

According to the location of the lesion

• Local occurs at the site of thrombus attachment
• Migratory thrombophlebitis. This condition is characterized by the rapid spread of inflammation to other parts of the vein after the primary process subsides.

Causes of disease:

• Varicothrombophlebitis – inflammation caused by varicose veins;
• Post-injection thrombophlebitis – inflammation that occurs at the puncture site after an injection.
• Infectious/septic
• Aseptic

By duration

Acute thrombophlebitis – characterized by intensity of symptoms and lasts no more than 30 days.

Chronic – characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation

By closing the vein

Occlusive. A clot clogs a vein, reducing blood flow.

Ischemic. Thrombus and edema completely block the vein, leading to necrosis.

Non-occlusive. The clot and swelling do not impede blood flow.

Effective diagnosis and treatment of thrombophlebitis is possible only in the conditions of a modern specialized clinic. And one of these clinics is “Miracle Doctor”.

Diagnosis

Our experts make a preliminary diagnosis already during an external examination. But in order to accurately determine the nature and severity of inflammation, the size of the thrombus, the presence of complications, instrumental studies are needed. The most informative of them is duplex vein scanning. Thanks to this ultrasound technique, you can get all the necessary information in the form of a visual two-dimensional image, without resorting to damage to the skin and venous wall.

Laboratory tests

Thrombophlebitis should be distinguished from another disease – phlebothrombosis, which also occurs with venous inflammation and thrombus formation. But with phlebothrombosis, unlike thrombophlebitis, blood clots form first due to a violation of blood clotting, and inflammation joins later. In our laboratories, all indicators of blood coagulation are determined, and the results are highly reliable.

Treatment of thrombophlebitis

Conservative treatment

An operation to remove a thrombus is not always indicated; in most cases, only one conservative treatment is sufficient. During it, anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs to strengthen the venous wall, improve blood microcirculation, and also slow down blood clotting (anticoagulants, fibrinolytics) are used. All of these medicines are taken orally or applied topically as gels and ointments.

Outside the phase of exacerbation of thrombophlebitis, physiotherapeutic procedures (electrophoresis, magnet, ultraviolet irradiation) and physiotherapy exercises are indicated. To prevent recurrence of venous inflammation and thrombosis, hirudotherapy is successfully performed in our clinic – treatment with leeches.

Thrombus surgery

Acute ascending thrombosis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities with the transition to deep veins proceeds rapidly: with severe pain, swelling and an increase in local temperature. Such patients require surgery to remove the thrombus. For the treatment of thrombophlebitis, our clinic performs all types of surgical interventions on the veins, incl. and endoscopic.

Indications for thrombectomy

Thrombectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a blood clot in the leg or elsewhere in the body. During the procedure, a clot is cut from the place of formation. After the intervention, the blood flow in the vessels normalizes, and the patient feels much better.

Indications for surgery to remove a thrombus:

• large blood clot that interferes with blood flow in the vessels;
• occlusion of a large vessel by a thrombus;
• gestation period;
• occurrence of a floating thrombus.

Thrombectomy techniques

• traditional;
• laser;
• endovascular.

The doctor chooses one or another version of the operation to remove a blood clot, focusing on various factors. The specialist takes into account the causes of blood clots, the condition of the vessels, the location of blood clots, the age of the patient. The cost of deep vein thrombosis surgery depends on the situation.

Conventional surgery

Conventional thrombectomy involves the removal of the part of the vessel containing the blood clot. During surgery, it is incised, then the thrombus is removed. After that, sewing is performed.

This technique is used in severe stages of pathology, when emergency intervention is necessary. For example, there is a risk of pulmonary thrombosis or gangrene. The procedure requires the use of general anesthesia.

Endovascular removal

This procedure is considered a more gentle way to remove a blood clot in the leg or in some other areas of the body. The blood clot is removed without removing the affected part of the vessel. During surgery, an area with a thrombus is localized. An incision is made, the length of which is several millimeters. Under X-ray control, a catheter is placed into the incision. With its help, the thrombus is mechanically eliminated and brought out.

This operation involves the use of suction or multifunctional catheters, Asperix device, hydrolizer. The risks of blood clot separation are excluded; it will not get through large vessels to vital organs.

Laser removal

Laser treatment of thrombophlebitis gives excellent results. With the help of laser beams, it is possible to eliminate a blood clot or redirect blood flow around the affected area.

This technique is used for patients regardless of age. The operation takes an average of 30 minutes. In the case of laser removal of a blood clot, it is possible to immediately return to normal life, since the ability to work will be fully preserved.

Recovery after surgical treatment of thrombophlebitis

It is important to pay due attention to the prevention of postoperative complications. This allows you to reduce the rehabilitation time and maintain the ability to work. After removal of the thrombus, the patient will receive medical recommendations for further therapy. It is necessary to undergo scheduled examinations at least once every 6 months. Maintenance therapy is necessary to prevent the recurrence of thrombosis.

After the treatment of thrombophlebitis by surgery, the doctor prescribes medicines for the patient to thin the blood, restore blood vessels and veins. Also, a person should take vitamin and mineral complexes, use ointments that prevent the appearance of clots. Since the removal of a thrombus is considered a low-traumatic operation, the patient is usually discharged a few days after the intervention. In the hospital, he is delayed only if there is a risk of complications.

One month later, a comprehensive ultrasound scan is performed to check the cardiovascular system. An echocardiogram is performed to assess the likelihood of re-occlusion of the vessels.

After thrombophlebitis has been treated surgically, the person should wear elastic clothing, eat right, and maintain an active lifestyle. For a while, you will have to abandon the sauna and bath.