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Deep Vein Thrombosis

Board Certified Vascular Surgeons, Vascular Surgery & Cardiology located in Kalamazoo, Allegan, Battle Creek, Coldwater, Sturgis and Three Rivers, MI

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis services offered in Kalamazoo, Allegan, Battle Creek, Coldwater, Sturgis and Three Rivers, MI

Deep vein thrombosis is caused by blood clots forming in your large leg veins. The highly skilled team at Advanced Vascular Surgery throughout Michigan, provides prompt deep vein thrombosis treatment to prevent complications like potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolisms. If you have any signs of thrombosis in your legs, call Advanced Vascular Surgery for fast diagnosis and treatment or request an appointment online today.  

Deep Vein Thrombosis Q & A

What is deep vein thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where blood clots develop in one of your deep veins. These veins run through groups of muscles, unlike superficial veins that are just under the skin. DVT typically occurs in the calf, thigh, or pelvis but can sometimes affect other places like the arm or chest.

DVT can cause a complication called a pulmonary embolism (PE) if a blood clot breaks away from a deep vein, travels through your bloodstream, and gets stuck in your lung. PE is a medical emergency because it can cause a fatal blockage.

DVT symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and pain in the affected leg. These symptoms worsen when you walk or stand, cause a warm sensation, and turn the skin blue or red. However, about 50% of DVT patients don’t have any symptoms.

How is deep vein thrombosis diagnosed?

The Advanced Vascular Surgery team has extensive experience diagnosing DVTs. Your provider begins with a complete physical exam and medical history review. They also perform an in-office duplex ultrasound procedure that can detect most DVTs.

For a more in-depth analysis, your provider might order an intravascular ultrasound, venogram, or CT scan that determines the location and severity of your DVT.

How is DVT treated?

Several anticoagulant medications can treat deep vein thrombosis, including heparin and warfarin. They’re known as blood thinners, but in fact, they make your blood less sticky, so it doesn’t form clots in the veins. These drugs are available as fast-acting intravenous (IV) infusions or pills you take daily. Other options include:

Thrombolysis

Thrombolysis involves injecting clot-dissolving drugs via a catheter (slender pipe) directly into the clot. You might benefit from this procedure if you have very large blood clots.

Open thrombectomy

An open or venous thrombectomy is surgery for a severe form of DVT that doesn’t respond to anticoagulant therapy or thrombolysis.

Vena cava filter

The vena cava is your body’s largest vein. It carries blood back to the heart and lungs through your abdomen. Your surgeon may recommend a vena cava filter if anticoagulant therapy isn’t suitable for you or drugs don’t reduce your blood clots.

The Penumbra System® vena cava filter Advanced Vascular Surgery uses traps clots if they break away from your deep leg veins, preventing them from reaching your lungs.

If you have deep vein thrombosis symptoms, don’t delay in seeking medical attention. Call Advanced Vascular Surgery or book an appointment online today.