Where do blood clots typically form in the legs. What are the main symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. How is DVT diagnosed and treated. Can travelers reduce their risk of developing blood clots.

Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Comprehensive Overview

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition characterized by the formation of blood clots in the deep veins, typically in the legs. This condition affects nearly 6 million Americans and can have life-threatening consequences if left untreated. DVT occurs when blood flow in the veins is slowed or obstructed, leading to the formation of clots that can potentially break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.

What causes deep vein thrombosis?

Several factors contribute to the development of DVT:

• Prolonged immobility (e.g., long flights, bed rest)
• Injury or damage to blood vessel walls
• Certain medical conditions (heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure)
• Hormonal factors (pregnancy, estrogen-based medications)
• Genetic predisposition
• Smoking
• Obesity

Recognizing the Symptoms of DVT: Early Detection is Key

Identifying the symptoms of DVT is crucial for early intervention and treatment. While some cases may be asymptomatic, common signs include:

• Swelling in the affected leg, particularly in the ankle or calf
• Pain or tenderness in the leg, often described as a cramping sensation
• Warmth in the affected area
• Redness or discoloration of the skin
• Increased pain when the foot is raised

Is it possible to have DVT without noticeable symptoms? Yes, in some cases, DVT can develop without obvious signs, which is why it’s important to be aware of risk factors and seek medical attention if you suspect you may have developed a blood clot.

Diagnostic Approaches for Deep Vein Thrombosis

Accurate diagnosis of DVT is essential for appropriate treatment. Healthcare providers employ various methods to confirm the presence of blood clots:

Physical Examination

A doctor may initially perform a physical examination, checking for swelling, tenderness, and discoloration in the affected area. However, this alone is not sufficient for a definitive diagnosis.

Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound is the most common and non-invasive method used to visualize blood flow in the veins and detect clots. This technique uses sound waves to create images of the blood vessels, allowing doctors to identify any obstructions.

D-dimer Blood Test

This blood test measures the levels of a substance released when blood clots break down. Elevated D-dimer levels may indicate the presence of a blood clot, although further testing is usually required for confirmation.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

In some cases, additional imaging methods may be necessary:

• Venography: A contrast dye is injected into the veins to make them visible on X-rays
• CT scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of blood vessels
• MRI: Offers high-resolution images of veins and surrounding tissues

How accurate are these diagnostic methods? While no single test is 100% accurate, combining multiple diagnostic approaches significantly increases the likelihood of correctly identifying DVT.

Treatment Strategies for Deep Vein Thrombosis

The primary goals of DVT treatment are to prevent the clot from growing, reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism, and alleviate symptoms. Treatment options include:

Anticoagulant Medications

Blood thinners, or anticoagulants, are the mainstay of DVT treatment. These medications prevent existing clots from growing and new clots from forming. Common anticoagulants include:

• Heparin (usually for initial treatment)
• Warfarin
• Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as rivaroxaban, apixaban, and dabigatran

Thrombolytic Therapy

In severe cases, particularly when there’s a high risk of pulmonary embolism, thrombolytic drugs may be administered to dissolve the clot rapidly. This treatment carries a higher risk of bleeding and is typically reserved for life-threatening situations.

Compression Stockings

These specially designed stockings apply pressure to the legs, promoting blood flow and reducing swelling. They are often recommended as a complementary treatment to medication.

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filters

For patients who cannot take anticoagulants or have recurrent DVT despite treatment, an IVC filter may be placed in the large vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart. This filter catches blood clots before they can reach the lungs.

How long does DVT treatment typically last? The duration of treatment varies depending on individual factors, but most patients require anticoagulation for at least 3-6 months. Some may need long-term or lifelong treatment to prevent recurrence.

Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis: Strategies for Risk Reduction

While not all cases of DVT can be prevented, there are several steps individuals can take to reduce their risk:

• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid prolonged periods of immobility, especially during long journeys
• Quit smoking
• Manage underlying health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension
• Stay hydrated, particularly during travel
• Consider wearing compression stockings if you’re at high risk

Are there specific exercises that can help prevent DVT? Yes, simple exercises like ankle rotations, calf raises, and walking can help promote blood circulation and reduce the risk of clot formation, especially during long periods of sitting.

Deep Vein Thrombosis in Special Populations

Certain groups of people may be at higher risk for DVT or require special considerations in their management:

Pregnant Women

Pregnancy increases the risk of DVT due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on pelvic veins. Pregnant women with DVT require careful management to balance the need for anticoagulation with the risks to the developing fetus.

Cancer Patients

Cancer and its treatments can increase the risk of blood clots. Patients with cancer-associated thrombosis may require long-term anticoagulation and close monitoring.

Elderly Individuals

Older adults are at higher risk for DVT due to decreased mobility and the presence of other health conditions. They may require careful dosing of anticoagulants to minimize bleeding risks.

Athletes

While generally at lower risk, athletes can develop DVT, especially after injuries or long periods of inactivity. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent complications and ensure a safe return to sports.

How do treatment approaches differ for these special populations? Treatment must be tailored to each individual’s specific circumstances, considering factors such as pregnancy status, cancer type and stage, age-related risks, and athletic goals.

Living with Deep Vein Thrombosis: Long-term Management and Quality of Life

For many individuals, a DVT diagnosis marks the beginning of a long-term health management journey. Key aspects of living with DVT include:

Ongoing Anticoagulation Management

Patients on long-term anticoagulation need regular monitoring and may require periodic dose adjustments. This involves blood tests and close communication with healthcare providers.

Lifestyle Modifications

Adopting a healthier lifestyle is crucial for preventing recurrence and managing symptoms. This may include:

• Regular exercise, with guidance from a healthcare provider
• Maintaining a healthy diet to support overall vascular health
• Avoiding prolonged periods of immobility
• Using compression stockings as recommended

Psychological Support

Living with a chronic condition like DVT can be emotionally challenging. Some patients may benefit from counseling or support groups to address anxiety, depression, or concerns about recurrence.

Vocational Considerations

Depending on the severity of DVT and its complications, some individuals may need to make adjustments to their work environment or career choices to accommodate their condition.

Can individuals with a history of DVT lead normal, active lives? With proper management and adherence to treatment plans, many people with DVT can maintain a high quality of life and participate in most activities. However, it’s essential to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized approach to long-term management.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in DVT Management

The field of DVT research is dynamic, with ongoing studies aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Some promising areas of investigation include:

Novel Anticoagulants

Researchers are working on developing new anticoagulants with improved safety profiles and more convenient dosing regimens. These could potentially reduce the need for frequent monitoring and minimize bleeding risks.

Personalized Medicine Approaches

Advances in genetic testing and biomarker identification may lead to more tailored treatment strategies based on individual patient characteristics and risk factors.

Improved Diagnostic Techniques

New imaging modalities and blood tests are being explored to enhance the accuracy and speed of DVT diagnosis, potentially allowing for earlier intervention.

Innovative Prevention Strategies

Research into novel mechanical and pharmacological approaches for DVT prevention, particularly in high-risk settings like hospitalization and surgery, is ongoing.

How might these advancements change the landscape of DVT management in the coming years? While it’s difficult to predict with certainty, these research directions hold the promise of more effective, safer, and personalized approaches to DVT prevention and treatment, potentially reducing the burden of this condition on individuals and healthcare systems.

In conclusion, deep vein thrombosis remains a significant health concern, but with increased awareness, early detection, and appropriate management, its impact can be minimized. As research continues to advance our understanding of this condition, individuals at risk for DVT can look forward to improved strategies for prevention and treatment, enhancing their overall quality of life and reducing the risk of potentially life-threatening complications.

Venous blood clots (including DVT)

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Nearly 6 million Americans have a blood clot in their veins (also called venous thrombus, venous thrombosis, or vein thrombosis). When the clot develops in a vein deep within the leg, it is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The condition can be life threatening if the clot breaks loose from the vein and travels to the lungs, where it can completely block blood flow.

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What causes a venous blood clot?

Blood clots in the veins are usually caused by slowed blood flow to the legs and feet, which can cause the blood to clot. Venous blood clots may also be caused by damage to a vein from an injury or infection. Blood flow may be slowed because of physical inactivity—being confined to a bed or having an inactive lifestyle. Some people have slowed blood flow after sitting for a long time, such as on a long plane ride. This is why the condition is sometimes called “economy-class syndrome.”

Other factors that lead to slowed blood flow in the legs and feet include smoking, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain tumors. The use of certain hormones, particularly estrogen, and pregnancy have been shown to increase the risk for blood clots in the legs. Genetic disorders may also increase a person’s risk.

What are the symptoms of venous blood clots?

Blood clots that happen in the veins close to the surface of your skin may cause mild swelling, tenderness, and redness. Symptoms of deep venous clots may include

• Swelling of your ankles or calves.
• Tenderness, swelling, redness, and warmth around the affected area.
• Pain when your foot is raised upward.

How are venous blood clots diagnosed?

Doctors can usually tell if you have a venous blood clot by pressing on a part of your leg. If needed, the veins can be viewed by using ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create an image of the vein on a screen. Clots above the knee may be identified by using a blood pressure cuff around your leg to measure blood flow (plethysmography). Deep venous blood clots in areas other than the leg may be impossible to detect by these methods. Diagnosis may require special techniques such as blood-clotting tests, x-rays of the veins, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanning.

How are venous blood clots treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of the blood clot. In most cases, a blood-thinning or anticoagulant medicine will be given. You will need to stay in bed and keep your legs raised for 3 to 5 days. Moist heat and medicines can ease the swelling and pain.

For those who have had a clot in the lungs or those who cannot take anticoagulants, a catheterization procedure may be needed to insert a filter in a vessel to prevent clots from reaching the lungs.

How Travelers Can Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Travelers sitting for long periods on airplanes or in cars have an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, or DVT.

People with DVT have a blood clot in a vein deep within their leg. The clot is usually caused by slowed blood flow to the legs and feet, so sitting for long periods can increase the risk of DVT.

The easiest way to prevent DVT is to keep moving. If you are taking a long road trip, stop the car every 2 to 3 hours and get out and walk around, or try flexing your ankles and your leg and hip muscles while you are seated.

Dehydration can thicken your blood and increase the risk of clots. Drink lots of water while you are traveling and avoid caffeine and alcohol which cause dehydration. During a layover or when you reach your destination, walk quickly to restore circulation in your legs.

By following these simple tips, you can lower your risk of DVT.

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Can You See the Signs of Blood Clots in Your Legs? | Blog

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition in which blood clots develop in the legs. Blood clots in legs can often be very serious, as they can travel through the bloodstream and reach the lungs. This can cause severe health problems, and in some cases can even be fatal.  

If you believe you have a blood clot in your leg, you should seek medical attention immediately. Knowing the signs of a blood clot in the leg can make a huge difference. Similarly, knowing the risk factors associated with Deep Vein Thrombosis can be important. Here are some crucial things to know about how to check for a blood clot in your leg.

How to Check For a Blood Clot in Your Leg

It’s important to know how to check for a blood clot in your leg. DVT is not always easy to spot, but some symptoms are common and consistent. One of the most common signs of a blood clot in the leg is swelling around the area of the blood clot. The area just below the knee is a common location for blood clots in the legs, but they can occur anywhere. Other blood clot symptoms to look out for include red or discolored skin, a feeling of warmth, tenderness, or a worsening cramp in the leg.

However, DVT symptoms do not always present themselves and are not always obvious. This is why it also helps to know the risk factors associated with DVT and blood clots in the legs.

There are several different risk factors associated with blood clots in the legs. A fairly common risk factor is prolonged periods of sitting. In particular, sitting for a long time during travel (such as a flight) is associated with blood clot risks. Trips exceeding four hours in length are particularly troublesome when it comes to developing DVT. If you can, try to get up to move around while in transit. If you are concerned about a blood clot from travel, monitor yourself for symptoms after reaching your destination.

Other risks associated with blood clots are more closely linked to health and genetics. Some key risk factors include:

• Age (60+ years old)
• Being overweight or obese
• Having heart disease
• Having cancer 
• Smoking
• Having recently suffered an injury or undergone surgery
• Family history of DVT or blood clots in legs

Lastly, pregnant women are generally considered to be at greater risk of developing blood clots in their legs. If you are pregnant, you should monitor yourself for symptoms and try to avoid staying seated for long stretches.

What to Do if You Spot Signs of Blood Clot in Leg

If you notice signs of a blood clot in your leg, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Blood clots are serious but treatable. The sooner you seek treatment for a blood clot, the better.

There are a few treatment options for DVT and blood clots in the legs. Blood thinners are commonly prescribed as a means to treat DVT. Other forms of treatment are available to manage symptoms and treat DVT. In addition to blood thinners, compression stockings are commonly prescribed to help regulate blood flow. If necessary, medical procedures are available to treat DVT. Endovenous ablation treatment, for example, is commonly used to treat a variety of vein disorders including DVT and varicose veins.

If you believe you may be at risk of DVT and would like to discuss treatment options, schedule a consultation with South Valley Vascular today. With four convenient locations, South Valley Vascular is one of California’s most trusted resources for vascular health and treatment.

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS OF THE LOWER LIMB AND ITS COMPLICATIONS. PREVENTION AND TREATMENT | LLC “Medservice”

Deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities (DVT) is an acute disease caused by the formation of blood clots in the veins of the legs, with the appearance of edema, changes in skin color, in severe cases – trophic disorders (ulcers).

Deep veins (as opposed to saphenous veins) run deep within the muscles. These veins carry the main outflow of blood from the legs to the heart against gravity. The contractions of the muscles of the legs squeeze the veins, pushing the blood in them upwards, and the venous valves prevent its reverse movement, allowing blood to pass only from the bottom up. Thus, the blood moves from the legs to the heart against the force of gravity. The collection of venous valves in the body is called the “second heart”. But, the second heart only works when walking, running, physical activity. When standing or sitting for a long time, the first heart has to work for two.

Blood clots are more likely to develop in the deep veins of the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, which is facilitated by a tendency to increased thrombosis, a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged forced sitting or lying position (for example, during long flights, in the treatment of fractures and injuries), overweight, diabetes, inflammatory and oncological diseases. Blood clots can form on the valves, causing vein thrombosis.

Diagnosis and treatment of acute DVT

If the clot does not completely block the vein, the disease may be asymptomatic. With blood clots that completely close the lumen of the main vein, swelling of the leg, pain and impaired movement occur. In some cases, urgent surgical treatment is required.
If deep vein thrombosis is suspected, an ultrasound of the veins is performed, based on the results of which the doctor chooses the treatment tactics. If thrombosis has occurred in large veins, then anticoagulants are prescribed – drugs that slow down blood clotting in order to prevent further growth of blood clots and improve blood flow in the lower extremities. After a certain time (from a month to a year, depending on the volume of the thrombus), recanalization occurs – numerous tubules form in the thrombus and the patency of the vein is partially restored. But, the normal operation of the venous valves is disrupted, which is accompanied by the development of post-thrombophlebitic syndrome with periodic swelling of the legs and varicose veins of the superficial veins, which requires long-term conservative treatment.

Currently, there are more radical methods of treating DVT in the world, aimed at complete dissolution and removal of all blood clots. One such method is catheter-guided thrombolysis (CUT). In KUT, a thin catheter is passed through a puncture under local anesthesia directly into the thrombosed veins and a thrombolytic (drug that dissolves blood clots) is slowly injected into the clots. Treatment lasts from 1 to several days. Sometimes it is necessary to help the medicine: remove part of the blood clots outward through the catheter (thrombaspiration) and expand the narrowed section of the vein with a balloon (angioplasty) (if there is such a block to the blood flow). The combined approach accelerates the onset of the desired result and significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment. In Russia, this modern type of treatment has been mastered so far only in a small number of medical centers, in Bashkortostan it is used so far only in our clinic.

An example of treatment using catheter-guided thrombolysis:

veins of the left lower limb lack of blood flow through these veins). Complaints of pain and severe swelling of the limb.

The intermediate result of catheter-guided thrombolysis is the appearance of minimal blood flow in the initially totally thrombosed iliac and common femoral veins.

The intermediate result of catheter-guided thrombolysis is the appearance of minimal blood flow in the initially totally thrombosed superficial femoral vein.

The final result of catheter-guided thrombolysis is complete restoration of blood flow with the dissolution of all thrombi in the initially totally thrombosed iliac and common femoral veins.

The final result of catheter-guided thrombolysis is complete restoration of blood flow with the dissolution of all thrombi in the initially totally thrombosed superficial femoral vein.

The patient was discharged with recovery: the pain disappeared completely, the swelling of the limb subsided.

Pulmonary embolism. Diagnosis

In case of late diagnosis or insufficiently effective treatment of DVT, the disease can progress, the thrombus grows, becoming a threat. The most severe complication of DVT is pulmonary embolism (PE) – a thrombus detachment, its migration to the heart and blockage of the pulmonary artery, which leads to disability or even instant death caused by the cessation of blood flow in the lungs.

Thromboembolism most often develops in case of loose fixation of the thrombus to the vessel wall. Particularly dangerous are floating thrombi – clots flowing around with blood, fixed to the venous wall only by a thin leg. Such a thrombus does not completely block the lumen of the vein, the disease can be asymptomatic. Separation of blood clots can provoke a massage of a sore leg, increased physical activity (including a sharp tension in the abdominal press, cough), trauma, surgery on the affected limb.

Dangerous and chronic embolism of small blood clots, which proceeds as inflammation of the lungs and leads to pulmonary insufficiency. The appearance of attacks of shortness of breath, inflammation of the lungs against the background of venous thrombosis of the lower extremities requires a mandatory consultation of a vascular surgeon and an ultrasound of the veins! The appearance of edema of the lower leg, or the entire lower limb, also requires a mandatory study!

Treatment of PE

When PE has already occurred, the use of drugs that dissolve blood clots is effective. Such treatment is carried out, as a rule, with severe PE, accompanied by low blood pressure. A thrombolytic can be administered either into a peripheral vein or through a catheter directly into the thrombosed pulmonary artery. The catheter is able to destroy a large thrombus into smaller fragments, which increases the effectiveness of thrombolysis.

Prevention of PE

In case of high risk of PE, the X-ray endovascular surgeon inserts a special wire device into the lumen of the inferior vena cava – an anti-embolic cava filter. A detached blood clot in this case does not enter the heart and lungs, but is retained by the filter. This device is easy to install, freely passes blood, but creates a reliable barrier to blood clots. The filter is carried out under local anesthesia through a skin puncture through a catheter with a diameter of 2-3 mm. The filter itself does not eliminate the cause of the development of blood clots, this is the task of drug treatment. However, it prevents pulmonary embolism from a detached thrombus and reduces the risk of sudden death. Filters are usually implanted temporarily and removed after the risk of PE has been eliminated. The decision to remove the filter is made after performing a second ultrasound of the veins, in which the dynamics of thrombosis resolution is assessed. Removal of the filter does not require general anesthesia and is also performed under X-ray control through a puncture. If the risk of PE cannot be eliminated, the filter can be left on permanently.

After discharge from the hospital

it is obligatory to take blood thinners – most often warfarin, Pradaxa or Xarelto. In the presence of chronic venous insufficiency, dispensary observation by a vascular surgeon, the use of phlebotonics and the wearing of compression stockings are necessary.

In our clinic, in the treatment of patients with acute DVT and PE, it is possible to use all the methods described in the article. The decision to choose a treatment method is made individually.

Questions related to angiographic and X-ray endovascular interventions at LLC “Medservice”, you can ask:

Tel.: +7 (3476) 39-52-38, email. Mail: [email protected]

Ivanov Andrey Gennadievich (head of the department of X -ray -surgical methods of diagnosis and treatment, a doctor of the highest category in the specialty “X -rayendovascular diagnosis and treatment”)

Treatment of deep veins of the lower extremities

The text was created with the participation of a phlebologist, surgeon, candidate of medical sciences, doctor of the highest category Pakhomov Evgeny Alekseevich

The treatment of thrombosis is very complex and lengthy, so phlebologists put a lot of effort so that their patients do not develop this condition.

Treatment of thrombosis is available in branches:

Treatment of thrombosis in the Primorsky district

Address: St. Petersburg , Primorsky district, st. Repishcheva, 13

Treatment of thrombosis in the Petrogradsky district

Address: St. Petersburg , Petrogradsky district, st. Lenina, 5

Treatment of thrombosis in Vsevolozhsk

Address: Vsevolozhsk , Oktyabrsky pr-t, 96

Causes of thrombosis

Thrombosis occurs suddenly or gradually, this is a blockage of a vessel by a blood clot. As a result, the blood flow in this area slows down significantly or stops. It can occur in both arteries and veins. Today we are talking about the defeat of the veins.

For such an obstacle to arise, you need:

1. Damage to the vein wall:

• during or after long, extensive operations;
• due to multiple injuries, burns;
• due to frequent injections, including drug addiction, venous catheter placement.

2. Deceleration of blood flow:

• in elderly, debilitated, immobile patients;
• while in intensive care, on a ventilator;
• for pathology of the heart and blood vessels, obesity;
• during pregnancy and childbirth
• for frequent and long flights.

3. Blood clots:

• hereditary blood disorders with increased coagulation, leukemia;
• autoimmune diseases;
• taking hormonal contraceptives and certain drugs – especially without medical supervision;
• in chemotherapy in cancer patients.

Types of thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is the most common, although in general vein thrombosis can occur in any vein. There are three characteristic signs: swelling, pain and discoloration of the skin. But their expression may be different. It depends on the location of the vein: the higher from the foot to the groin, the more the patient suffers.

Consider the veins “from the bottom up” to understand what is the thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities:

• deep vein thrombosis of the lower leg

May not have severe symptoms: pain and swelling in the lower leg are mild, but there are difficulties in walking, heaviness in the leg.

• deep vein thrombosis of the thigh

Severe persistent pain, pronounced swelling, the affected limb increases in volume, the skin acquires a purple hue, the body temperature rises. This is a dangerous condition that requires hospitalization.

• femoral vein thrombosis (superficial), or thrombophlebitis

The vein is thickened and visible as a roller under the skin, painful, the skin over it is red and hot. Treatment is operative.

• groin thrombosis

The lymphatic system is especially affected by this type of thrombosis, because the outflow of lymph is disturbed. This aggravates the swelling of the affected limb. Pain, a feeling of pressure in the leg, groin and pelvis, aggravated by movement. Need hospitalization.

• thrombosis of the inferior vena cava

An extremely serious condition, as the blood flow is disturbed in both lower limbs. Swelling of the lower half of the body begins, disturbances in the functioning of the intestines and liver, kidney failure, and abdominal pain occur. Urgent hospitalization is required!

Symptoms and signs of thrombosis

The danger lies in the fact that quite often thrombosis of the lower extremities can occur without clinical signs and complaints. Patients are not very worried about pain and swelling. But even asymptomatic, or “silent” leg thrombosis has a high risk of complications. Possibly even higher, as patients seek medical care later.

Symptoms of thrombosis occur due to obstruction of the outflow of venous blood, while arterial blood continues to flow. Therefore, venous congestion occurs below the level of the thrombus and appear:

• edema;
• arching pains;
• limb augmentation;
• “cyanosis”;
• local temperature increase;
• expansion of the saphenous veins.

How to identify thrombosis?

If you have varicose veins (or other vein diseases) and suddenly have pain in your leg, you should suspect vein thrombosis. Often patients come to our clinic with a specific request: “Do I have thrombosis?” And this is the right tactic. If you feel worse, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor.

Thrombosis diagnostics

The phlebologist asks about the problem, examines the patient and performs manipulations called “functional tests”. This gives more information about the localization of thrombosis.

How to quickly and accurately identify deep vein thrombosis? Ultrasound and dopplerography are the modern diagnostic standard. It is very important to understand not only where the thrombus is located, but what is its structure, size, and whether there is a risk of its detachment from the vein wall.

It is more difficult to identify the whole complex of causes that caused thrombosis. But this is a fundamentally important issue – the tactics and success of treatment depend on it. Your doctor will need blood tests and other tests. And again, you will not need to go anywhere, because the Dynasty clinic has its own modern laboratory.

Treatment of thrombosis of the lower extremities is complex. It depends on many factors and the individual characteristics of the patient.

If there is no threat of detachment of part or all of the thrombus, and the development of complications is unlikely, then the thrombosis is treated on an outpatient basis. If such a risk is high, the patient’s well-being suffers greatly, then hospitalization and treatment in a hospital is required.

1. Conservative treatment (without surgery) includes:

• anticoagulants: mandatory; These are drugs that reduce blood clotting. This is a temporary therapy for thrombosis, but if the doctor, based on the results of the tests, came to the conclusion that the cause is increased blood clotting (genetic defect), then such treatment is prescribed for life.

Important! Anticoagulants are drugs that only a doctor can prescribe and control! Do not replace “harmful” pills with “useful” herbs with a similar effect. Phytotherapy is not as safe as it seems. The dose of the active ingredient in herbal products is difficult to control and the risk of bleeding can be enormous.

• The treatment of acute thrombosis requires the conduct of thrombolysis: intravenous administration of substances that dissolve the thrombus.

2. Surgical treatment, the purpose of which may be:

• thrombectomy – a thrombus is removed from a vein;
• creation of bypass routes for blood flow – above and below thrombosis – so that the blood supply goes through other veins, if possible;
• creating an obstacle in the way of a blood clot in case of its possible detachment – installing a filter that is able to trap parts of a blood clot, preventing them from spreading to vital organs with the blood stream.

3. In addition, the treatment of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities implies a special diet and regimen, wearing compression stockings, treatment of other diseases that may adversely affect the state of the vein wall and blood flow.

Recovery from deep venous thrombosis proceeds differently. It depends on the extent of the damage to the vein, the size of the thrombus, on the reserves of the patient’s defenses, on the timeliness of the refused assistance, etc. That is, even after a successful operation, the treatment does not end. It is necessary to follow all the recommendations of the doctor.

Deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities is a serious condition that sometimes imposes significant restrictions on the patient. Edema, lymphatic congestion, difficulty walking can persist for a long time. Drugs that control blood clotting, the patient is forced to take constantly so that a new thrombosis does not develop.

Even 10 years ago it was very difficult: I had to take tests often to balance on the verge of thrombosis/bleeding. But science does not stand still. Currently, phlebologists have safe drugs that reduce the risk of thrombosis. With them, you should not be afraid of bleeding, you do not need to donate blood often and depend on the laboratory. The doctor selects the dose, and you just have to not skip taking the drug.

Complications

The treatment of thrombosis of the lower extremities is not only aimed at restoring blood flow. It is equally important to prevent the development of complications that can be life-threatening for the patient. What are these complications?

• pulmonary embolism – occlusion of the pulmonary vessels – a detached blood clot and / or parts of it block the pulmonary vessels. If a large vessel is blocked, cardiopulmonary failure develops, which can lead to death. This is a serious pathology requiring immediate hospitalization and long-term treatment;
• post-thrombotic disease – occurs if the patency of the veins after thrombosis remains significantly impaired. This is a serious condition: constant swelling, pain, malnutrition of tissues, trophic ulcers, difficult to treat;
• septic thrombophlebitis – infection addition. It often happens, for example, with drug addiction, when injections are made with non-sterile needles;
• venous gangrene – if you seek medical help late, tissue death may occur and amputation may be required;
• progression of venous insufficiency – swelling, pain, discomfort in static positions, darkening and thinning of the skin, trophic ulcers.

Prophylaxis

Thrombosis is a serious condition, and even with timely and high-quality treatment, sometimes it is not possible to achieve full recovery! In the Dynasty clinic, phlebologists are always ready to help their patients, but they remind: the best operation is the one that never happened. In modern medicine, all efforts should be directed precisely at prevention.

What measures to take to avoid blockage of the veins?

1. Analysis of the blood coagulation system, compression hosiery and prophylactic administration of anticoagulants (the drug is selected by the doctor!):

• before any operation, especially long ones;
• during pregnancy, childbirth;
• with prolonged bed rest after injuries, burns, on mechanical ventilation;
• in the presence of varicose veins, or previous thrombosis.

2. Treatment of diseases of the blood, heart, blood vessels, varicose veins – in strict accordance with the recommendations of your doctor.

Normal levels of blood sugar, hormones, cholesterol maintain the health of blood vessels, and healthy blood pressure numbers reduce the load on them. Venotonic preparations maintain the tone of the veins – blood flow improves and blood stasis decreases. The risk of thrombosis with this approach is significantly reduced.

3. Weight correction, active motor mode, rational fluid intake.

Check with your doctor about the optimal body weight for you. Walking at an average pace for 30 minutes a day has already been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk and thrombosis. If the condition allows, then walk more, or perform a set of exercises recommended by your doctor.

4. Getting rid of addictions, especially injection drug addiction and smoking.

5. Regular visits to a phlebologist if there are vein diseases and a high risk of complications.

Reception is conducted by phlebologists:

Choose a branchClinic “Dynasty” in St.