Deep Vein Thrombosis
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that occurs due to the formation of blood clots in the veins of the limbs or extremities (arms and legs). Blood clots develop in the veins when your blood thickens and forms a clump. DVT is a concern because it can cause life-threatening complication of pulmonary embolism. In pulmonary embolism, a blood clot from these deep veins breaks free, reaches there & blocks an artery in the lungs. Both of these together are called venous thromboembolism.
Some other names used to refer to DVT are:
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blood clot in the leg
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venous thrombosis
How do they develop?
Although DVT commonly occurs in people who are over 50 years old but in certain circumstances, it can happen at any age. Usually, immobility with the presence of any underlying risk factors causes DVT.
What are the risk factors for DVT?
You’re at higher risk for DVT if you:
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Immobility
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Smoking
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use of birth control contraceptive pills
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Pregnancy/ postpartum
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Age over 50
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Obesity
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Family history
What are the causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Symptoms:
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Swelling in Leg
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Warmth & Redness
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Cramps that usually begins from Calf
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Unexplained Severe Pain in Feet & Ankle
How can it be diagnosed?
USG Doppler is usually needed for diagnosing Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT). MR Venography or CT Venography can sometimes be needed.
Are you facing similar problems?
Consult our EndoVascular Expert doctors to know whether that limb pain and swelling need a possible treatment or not.
What is the Treatment for Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Anti-coagulation or blood thinner medication with compression stockings is the standard treatment.
Acute DVT (occurring within 14 days) is best managed endovascularly. Initially, the IVC filter is placed to prevent pulmonary thrombo-embolism. Then through a catheter, blood clots are aspirated and medication (thrombolytic) is injected locally through a catheter to dissolve the clots. This entire procedure is done through a small hole and involves no cuts/sutures. The patient is, in fact, mobile from the next day itself.
Before & After the procedure
The patient is asked to be fasting 6 hours before the procedure. After the procedure, the patient should wear compression stockings. These help in reducing swelling. At night while sleeping, the patient should keep pillows below the legs for leg elevation. Anti-coagulation (blood thinner medication) needs to be taken for 6 months. The patient is asked to walk for at least 1 hour every day.
Details about our Vascular and Interventional Radiologist
We are the largest endovascular group in the country. All our experts are board-certified, extensively trained Interventional Radiologists, with all of us having experience of more than 5 years.
Benefits of endovascular treatment
Post-endovascular treatment, there is an immediate reduction in swelling and pain, which is not seen with just medicines. This helps the patient in early resumption of their daily activities. Also, it reduces the long term complications of post-thrombotic syndrome-like leg blackening and ulcers.
Treatment Cost
It varies from hospital to hospital, but usually, it is around 1.5 lakhs. This includes hospital stay, procedure cost and hardware cost.
Care taken after the procedure
The patient should wear compression stockings and take blood thinner medications regularly. Also regular follow-up, as advised, is a must. The blood thinner medication is taken for 6 months but patients are advised to weak stockings life long.
Are these procedures safe?
Absolutely. Endovascular treatment of DVT is a minimally invasive procedure, done through a pin-hole and involves no cuts/sutures. It is done under local anaesthesia, where the patient is conscious during the entire procedure.
What are the complications of DVT?
The most life-threatening complications are pulmonary-thromboembolism. It can cause shortness of breath, hypotension and may require oxygen support. Massive pulmonary-thromboembolism can even be fatal. Long-term untreated DVT causes something called post-thrombotic syndrome. In post-thrombotic syndrome, patients develop skin thickening, skin blackening and leg ulcers which are difficult to treat.
Places We Operate From
Find the best-in-class DVT treatment specialist now near you. You can find our specialty centers for Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Nagpur & Aurangabad.