DEEP VEIN
- Deep vein thrombosis occurs when the blood thickens or “clots” in the larger extremity or central veins. It is estimated that nearly 300,000 new cases occur every year in the United States. While these blood clots can cause swelling and pain, the greater concern is the risk of the clot traveling to the heart and lungs leading to breathing difficulty or even death.
More About Deep Vein Thrombosis
WHAT YOU
SHOULD KNOW
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Treatment
Risk Factors
Treatment
Symptoms
- New calf or leg pain
- Swelling, warmth or tightness of an extremity
- Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain/pressure
- Symptoms occur after recent travel, surgery or injury
Risk Factors
- Family history of blood clots or “hypercoagulable disorder”
- Prolonged travel or immobility
- Trauma, broken leg or hip
- Major surgery or hospitalization
- Central venous catheter or PICC line
- Certain hormonal therapy
- Pregnancy
- Cancer
Treatment
- Catheter guided clot removal, EKOS®
- Blood thinning medications known as “anticoagulants”
- Thrombolytic therapy or clot busting medication
- Compression stocking
- IVC filter placement
