DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in deep veins.DVT occurs most commonly in the leg but it can also affect the arms.

           

Three factors are responsible for DVT formation

1. Stagnation of blood flow due to prolonged immobility caused by Operation, Injury, or prolonged travel
2. The tendency of a person to develop blood clots due to genetic reasons or some drugs/ hormones
3. Injury to veins which could be due to operation or trauma

• Elderly people
• Overweight people

People with some type of cancer
Women taking OC pills or some hormonal treatment
People After operation or injury
People with a genetic tendency

Sudden onset, severe painful swelling is the most common symptom.

Through clinical examination by an expert Vascular Surgeon
Color Doppler ultrasound is noninvasive, nonpainful sonography of the leg which diagnoses Deep vein thrombosis with great accuracy.
CT Venography is not routinely required for the diagnosis of DVT

We divide DVT into two segments, Proximal and Distal. Proximal means Iliofemoral DVT needs either LMWH injection ( for 5 days) treatment followed by Oral anticoagulation tablets (for 3 to 6 months) or Catheter Directed Thrombolysis where in a small tube is inserted into clotted vein and clot is dissolved with a machine or a drug.

Distal thrombosis needs LMWH injection treatment followed by oral anticoagulation. Compression stockings are mandatory for all kinds of DVT

If the clot is gets detached from leg veins and goes into the Lungs it can create a serious life-threatening condition called Pulmonary Embolism
If DVT is not treated correctly in time, it can cause various problems in the leg like swelling, itching, skin discoloration, ulcer, etc called Post Thrombotic Syndrome

Those at risk of developing DVT should take either mechanical ( stockings, DVT pump, active calf exercise, early ambulation) or chemical ( blood thinner drugs) measures to prevent DVT