treatment for DVT Archives - Avis Vascular Centre treatment for DVT Archives - Avis Vascular Centre WhatsApp
cutting edge interventional treatment options for dvt
admin Diagnosis and Treatments

Cutting Edge Interventional Treatment Options for DVT

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, commonly in the legs. If left untreated, DVT can lead to severe complications, including pulmonary embolism, which is potentially fatal. Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent these outcomes. This blog will delve into the causes of DVT, the urgency of treatment, and how interventional treatment options can help.

Causes of DVT

DVT occurs due to a combination of factors that make up Virchow’s triad: hypercoagulability, stasis, and endothelial injury. Hypercoagulability refers to an increased tendency for blood to clot, which can be due to genetic factors like Factor V Leiden mutation, or acquired conditions such as cancer or pregnancy. Stasis, or slowed blood flow, often happens during prolonged immobility, like long flights or bed rest. Endothelial injury, the third factor, can result from trauma or surgery, particularly orthopedic surgeries involving the lower limbs.

Why Immediate Treatment is Necessary

The primary danger of DVT is that a portion of the clot can break off and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE). PE can block blood flow to the lungs, leading to severe complications, including death. Additionally, DVT can cause long-term issues like post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), which results in chronic pain, swelling, and skin changes in the affected limb. Immediate treatment reduces these risks, mitigates symptoms, and prevents clot propagation.

Interventional Treatment Options

While anticoagulants are the cornerstone of DVT treatment, interventional therapies are crucial for patients who cannot take these medications or those with extensive clot burden. Here are some key interventional treatments

Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT):

EVLT is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat varicose veins, which can contribute to venous stasis and DVT. It involves using laser energy to seal off the affected vein, diverting blood flow to healthier veins. EVLT is effective in reducing symptoms and preventing the recurrence of DVT by improving overall venous circulation.

Sclerotherapy:

Sclerotherapy is another treatment option for varicose veins associated with DVT. It involves injecting a sclerosant solution directly into the vein, causing it to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body. This procedure helps reduce venous stasis and the risk of clot formation, thereby managing and preventing DVT.

Balloon Angioplasty and Stenting:

In cases where DVT causes significant narrowing of the veins, balloon angioplasty and stenting can help. This procedure involves inflating a small balloon within the vein to open it up and placing a stent to keep it open. This treatment restores proper blood flow and reduces the risk of recurrent DVT.

Interventional treatments for DVT are vital for managing patients with severe or complicated cases. These procedures offer rapid symptom relief, prevent serious complications, and improve long-term outcomes. Prompt recognition and treatment of DVT are essential to avoid potentially life-threatening consequences. If you suspect you have DVT or are at high risk, consult our expert interventional radiologists at Avis vascular center and know your treatment options.

Prevention of DVT and Pulmonary Embolism
admin Diagnosis and Treatments

Prevention of DVT and Pulmonary Embolism

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) refers to the medical condition where a blood clot develops in the deep veins, commonly in the legs. This blood clot can lead to partial or complete blockage in the vein, damage the one-way valves, and prevent blood flow back to the heart.

The blood clot can even break free and move to other vital body organs such as the lungs eventually leading to the life-threatening medical condition called Pulmonary Embolism.

DVT is dangerous and early diagnosis is vital to the prevention of pulmonary embolism. You must always be careful about the symptoms and seek immediate medical assistance in case of any discomfort.

Common Symptoms of DVT

Deep Vein Thrombosis can be recognized by the following common signs:

  1. Pain and tenderness in the leg
  2. Swelling, generally in one leg
  3. Skin discoloration where the skin turns reddish or bluish
  4. Leg feels warm on touch

Common Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism can be easily identified by the below-mentioned symptoms:

  1. Rapid heart rate
  2. Immediate shortness of breathe
  3. Cough, occasionally with bloody mucus
  4. Sharp pain in the chest which tends to get worse with deep breathing

Steps to Reduce the Risk of DVT

There are numerous small steps that can help reduce the likelihood of DVT and pulmonary embolism. Please make a note of the following tips:

  1. Speak to your doctor about the need for blood-thinners
  2. Consult your doctor about compression stockings and their recommended usage
  3. Avoid staying in the same posture for longer durations at a stretch
  4. Maintain a BMI between 25 to 30, lose weight if you are overweight or obese
  5. Make an exercise routine or go for a walk every day to stay active and boost blood circulation
  6. Wear comfortable clothes, avoid wearing anything that is too tight
  7. Drink a lot of water, especially when you are travelling
  8. Quit smoking
  9. If you are about to take hormonal medicines whether for birth control or hormone replacement therapy, always speak to your doctor about the risk of clotting

Ensure to always take measures for self-care to prevent diabetes, blood pressure, heart failure, or other health issues.

Tips to Prevent Travel-Related DVT

Although travel-related DVT is rare in healthy people but taking precautions is always good.

  1. While undertaking long journeys in plane, train, bus, or car, ensure to get up and move around once every hour.
  2. If you cannot move around, remember to perform heel-toe exercises and circle your feet.
  3. Ensure to take breaks every 2 hours if you are driving the car for journeys longer than 4 hours
  4. Do not take sleeping pills
  5. Do not consume alcohol during long flights
  6. Wearing compression stockings can also help prevent DVT but it is recommended to speak to your doctor before travelling. He will also help you choose the right size and prescribe the desired usage.
  7. If you have had DVT in the past and have been prescribed blood thinners along with other medications, there probably isn’t any risk of another DVT incident during your journey. You must, however, cross-check with your doctor to travel stress-free.

If you have a family history of DVT or have yourself suffered from blood clots in the past, it is wise to take all necessary precautionary steps to prevent new blood clot formation that may lead to DVT or pulmonary embolism. Always maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a nutritious diet, and consume your meals on time, maintain optimal levels of physical activity, and consult your doctor for any unusual symptoms that you may notice.

For a medical check-up, diagnosis, and treatment of any venous disorders such as varicose veins, spider veins, blood clots, DVT, venous ulcers, or chronic venous insufficiency, book a consultation with the distinguished interventional radiologist Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre for a painless and minimally invasive treatment.

At Avis Vascular Centre, we have the latest medical equipment and a highly professional team of doctors who not only ensure the best treatment but also promise the highest levels of patient satisfaction. You are assured of zero downtime and quick recovery in the endovenous laser treatment. Schedule your appointment today!