What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Venous thromboembolism is a potentially deadly condition in which a person has deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where a blood clot develops in the deep veins, or a pulmonary embolism, which occurs when one or more arteries in the lungs is blocked, usually when part of a clot in the legs breaks off and travels to the lungs. When deep vein thrombosis is diagnosed, it is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Most importantly the medical team wants to stop the clot from getting bigger, keep the clot from breaking off and travelling into the lungs, and doing everything possible to keep another clot from forming.

Treatment for DVT

Specialists will determine the best treatment for you. Treatment may include:

  • Blood thinners to break up existing clots and prevent new ones.
  • Anticoagulants. For example, injectables such as heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin, or tablets such as apixaban, dabigatran and rivaroxaban, edaxaban and warfarin.
  • Equipment such as compression stockings and air compression cuffs and garments for the legs, calves, arms or chest that fill with compressed air and help increase blood flow.
  • Thrombolytic therapy using drugs such as a tissue plasminogen activator, which is a clot-dissolving enzyme.
  • Surgery may be needed when medication doesn't work. It may involve placing a filter in the body's largest vein to prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs or a procedure called a thrombectomy which involves removing a large blood clot from the vein or injecting clot-busting medicines.In some cases, a procedure to remove a large blood clot from the vein is performed using a device called an Angiojet is used.

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