Vascular conditions affect the veins and arteries in the body, which conduct oxygen to every living cell. In many cases, vascular conditions can be treated without surgery.
Even so, it’s important to see a vascular surgeon, as these problems can impact other parts of your body. Read more+
Exercise, diet, or medication may be prescribed as a first step in regaining your vascular health. Should surgery be needed, our physicians are experienced in every type of surgical intervention, and successfully perform over 1,000 procedures annually, with excellent results.
Nearly 300,000 first-time cases of DVT occur every year, usually in the leg.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is commonly called deep vein blood clots. The condition occurs when your blood thickens into a clump that becomes solid, forming a clot. DVT requires prompt attention, because if a piece of the clot breaks off, it can travel to the lungs and make breathing difficult, or even result in death.
The underlying cause of deep vein thrombosis is slow blood flow. This can be caused by several factors:
- Medications, especially hormones
- Vein damage from a catheter
- Inactivity (such as after a major operation or during a long flight)
- Cancer and genetic diseases that cause your blood to clot more easily
Symptoms
DVT can occur without any warning signs, and there are often no symptoms. However, some people feel discomfort along the affected vein with swelling, pain, redness or a feeling of warmth.
To diagnose deep vein thrombosis, your vascular surgeon will ask about your symptoms, and check for any areas of swelling, tenderness or discoloration on your skin.
Depending on how likely you are to have a blood clot, your doctor may suggest further testing with an ultrasound. You may also need a blood test, as almost all patients who develop sever DVT have an elevated blood level of a clot-dissolving substance called D dimer.
Occasionally the surgeon may recommend alternative tests such as a CT scan, MRI or venography, in which dye is injected into a large vein of the foot or ankle, and X-rays are taken to look for clots.
DVT is usually treated with medication. Blood thinners, also called anticoagulants, prevent blood clots from getting larger by decreasing your blood’s ability to clot. Over time, your body works with the medication to decrease the size and consistency of the clot. Because blood thinners can increase your chance of bleeding, it’s important to have regular follow-ups with your vascular surgeon.
Sometimes medical treatments are recommended. Thrombolytic therapy may be used to quickly dissolve a clot if it is large or causing severe symptoms. Because this treatment has a much higher risk of bleeding, it is only used when necessary.
Placing an IVC filter inside the inferior vena cava, one of the largest veins in the body, may also be recommended. The filter will not stop a blood clot from forming, but it can prevent a large clot from entering your lungs.
Maintaining good overall health can help decrease your risk of developing deep vein blood clots.
- Stay physically active, especially after surgery or during long trips
- Maintain a normal weight
- Seek treatment quickly for any medical problem, such as infection or cancer
If you have a blood clot now, or have ever had one, it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of staying on blood thinners with your vascular surgeon.
Overview
Nearly 300,000 first-time cases of DVT occur every year, usually in the leg.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is commonly called deep vein blood clots. The condition occurs when your blood thickens into a clump that becomes solid, forming a clot. DVT requires prompt attention, because if a piece of the clot breaks off, it can travel to the lungs and make breathing difficult, or even result in death.
Causes / Symptoms
The underlying cause of deep vein thrombosis is slow blood flow. This can be caused by several factors:
- Medications, especially hormones
- Vein damage from a catheter
- Inactivity (such as after a major operation or during a long flight)
- Cancer and genetic diseases that cause your blood to clot more easily
Symptoms
DVT can occur without any warning signs, and there are often no symptoms. However, some people feel discomfort along the affected vein with swelling, pain, redness or a feeling of warmth.
Diagnosis
To diagnose deep vein thrombosis, your vascular surgeon will ask about your symptoms, and check for any areas of swelling, tenderness or discoloration on your skin.
Depending on how likely you are to have a blood clot, your doctor may suggest further testing with an ultrasound. You may also need a blood test, as almost all patients who develop sever DVT have an elevated blood level of a clot-dissolving substance called D dimer.
Occasionally the surgeon may recommend alternative tests such as a CT scan, MRI or venography, in which dye is injected into a large vein of the foot or ankle, and X-rays are taken to look for clots.
Treatment
DVT is usually treated with medication. Blood thinners, also called anticoagulants, prevent blood clots from getting larger by decreasing your blood’s ability to clot. Over time, your body works with the medication to decrease the size and consistency of the clot. Because blood thinners can increase your chance of bleeding, it’s important to have regular follow-ups with your vascular surgeon.
Sometimes medical treatments are recommended. Thrombolytic therapy may be used to quickly dissolve a clot if it is large or causing severe symptoms. Because this treatment has a much higher risk of bleeding, it is only used when necessary.
Placing an IVC filter inside the inferior vena cava, one of the largest veins in the body, may also be recommended. The filter will not stop a blood clot from forming, but it can prevent a large clot from entering your lungs.
Reducing Risk
Maintaining good overall health can help decrease your risk of developing deep vein blood clots.
- Stay physically active, especially after surgery or during long trips
- Maintain a normal weight
- Seek treatment quickly for any medical problem, such as infection or cancer
If you have a blood clot now, or have ever had one, it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of staying on blood thinners with your vascular surgeon.
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