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DVT MANAGEMENT

Blood clots, also known as Deep Venous Thrombosis, or "DVT", is a common medical problem affecting approximately 1 million people in the US every year. Blood clots can effect the deep veins (DVT) or the superficial veins. DVT have an increased risk of causing complications such as Pulmonary Embolism or Post-Thrombotic Syndrome.  Superficial blood clots (superficial thrombophlebitis) are a common problem presenting with linear pain, redness and swelling.

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     RISK FACTORS

  • Blood Clotting Disorders

  • Smoking

  • Surgery

  • Prolonged Bed Rest

  • Birth Control

  • Pregnancy

  • Obesity

  • Cancer

    COMPLICATIONS

  • Pulmonary Embolism

    • Sudden Shortness of Breath​

    • Chest Pain

  • Post Thrombotic Syndrom

    • Persistent Leg Swelling and Discomfort​

SYMPTOMS OF DVT

  • Sudden Onset Leg Pain

  • Leg Swelling

  • Redness in Leg

EVALUATION AND TREATMENT FOR DVT

  • Initial evaluation with Ultrasound is performed in our clinic vascular lab to determine the location and extent of thrombus

  • Depending on location and reason for developing DVT, patients are typically given a prescription for an oral blood thinning medication. The duration of the blood thinning medication is dependent on extent of DVT, reason for development and history of prior DVT.

  • Some patients with extensive DVT and symptoms that are not resolving may undergo an endovascular procedure to break up and aspirate the clot out of the affected vein or veins.

  • If patient is at hight risk for Pulmonary Embolism or is unable to take blood thinning medication, a temporary IVC filter may be placed for protection from pulmonary embolism (PE)

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