Deep Vein Thrombosis
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic provides the highest level of care when dealing with the urgency and complexity of DVT. From innovative therapies to advanced interventions, there’s a personalized treatment plan by Dr. Manish Taneja that gets you back on your feet and living life to the fullest.
Introduction to Deep Vein Thrombosis
Blood circulation to the legs involves two systems broadly. First is the arterial system taking blood to the legs from the heart carrying oxygenated blood. Second is the venous system taking deoxygenated blood from the legs to the heart. This venous system comprises two parts: superficial venous system under the skin and deep venous system next to the bones and the deep muscles. Deep venous system carries majority of the blood from the legs to the heart.
Deep vein thrombosis or DVT as it is commonly known a (DVT) is a condition in which blood clots form in the deep veins of the lower limbs. Uncommonly deep veins of the arm can also get affected but this is very rare and usually under special circumstances.
Most patients with DVT are concerning requiring urgent treatment but not life-threatening.
In some patients especially if not recognised in time or untreated; these clots can progress towards the heart. These clots can break off in pieces and travel into the heart and lungs resulting in a more severe condition known as Pulmonary embolism (PE). Some patients with pulmonary embolism have life-threatening clots preventing oxygen transfer from venous blood posing a significant risk of death.
Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Symptoms can be variable depending on the underlying extent or location of the clot
- Some patients may have minimal symptoms like mild swelling or aching or discomfort or cramps in the calf or whole leg
- Swollen and tender legs: The swelling and tenderness may start in the calf and then extend towards the thigh and groin
- Swelling of legs with redness or prominent visible blue veins under the skin
- Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
Shortness of breath either in isolation or related to the limb swelling: This is a sign that the patient needs urgent and medical attention, as they may be experiencing a pulmonary embolism.
Risk Factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Long periods of immobility (e.g. long-haul flights or travel journeys): this is one of the most well known risk factor for deep vein thrombosis
- After major surgery involving the limbs, pelvis or abdomen
- Dehydration
- Major trauma to the arms/legs
- Having a genetic predisposition to blood clotting, causing DVT
- Abnormal blood vessel anatomy (e.g. May-Thurner syndrome or Paget-Schroetter Syndrome)
- The presence of underlying cancer which can result in the blood being more prone to clotting (paraneoplastic syndrome)
Diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment that often includes risk factor history, blood test and ultrasound scan showing the presence of clots in the deep veins. Other associated investigations include a CT scan of the leg veins and lung arteries.
Management of Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Medical management: The most common and standard treatment suitable for most patient is blood thinning medication (anti-coagulation medication )
- Minimally invasive pharmaco-mechanical treatments for DVT: This treatment is catheter based treatment requiring access to veins in the legs using tiny incisions less than a centimeter. The indication for this treatment is if there is lack of response to medical treatment, if the DVT is extensive (e.g. extending up the thigh and into the pelvic veins) or is life-threatening. Most clots are removed using this technique immediately and anticoagulation medication are continued at same time preventing new clots .The clots from the lungs can also be removed at the same time if required using these techniques.
There are more types of venous diseases we offer to treat and manage including the diagnosis and management of cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) commonly seen in young patients. They can present with severe headaches , focal neurological deficits, altered conscious state or coma depending on location and extent of clot with associated brain damage.
If you experience leg swelling or varicose veins and spider veins, our clinic is here to help you find the best treatment solution.
Read More About Venous Diseases on Our Blog
To dive deeper into the types of venous diseases, head over to our clinic’s blog. Read our recommended venous diseases related blog posts to stay informed.
Other Health Conditions
When looking for a deep vein thrombosis specialist, choose a doctor who can give proper diagnosis and treatment. At Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, we provide quality world class care to patients with vascular and non-vascular disorders. To learn more about how to deal with DVT, contact us to arrange an appointment on our website with Dr. Manish Taneja, or call us at +65 6904 8084.