Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment in Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
Formation of clot in the deep veins of the body usually the lower limbs is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Blood in the vessels is in a liquid state due to the balance between a)pro and anti congulant factors b) a healthy inner lining and c) by virtue of motion of blood in the vessels. Any disturbance in the said three factors (Virchow’s triad) leads to clotting.
Who are the at risk patients for DVT?
- Cancer treatment within last 6months or current palliation
- Paralysis or any other reason causing immobility of the lower limb/limbs
- Bed ridden for at least 3 days in the last 4weeks or major surgery in the last 12 weeks
- Pain or tenderness localised along the deep venous system
- Swelling of the entire leg
- Unilateral calf swelling >3cm compared to the other side
- Unilateral pitting pedal edema
- Superficial collateral veins
- History of DVT in the past
- There is no alternative diagnosis than DVT
What tests can be done to diagnose DVT?
- D-dimer is elevated in the blood in case DVT. It is a very sensitive test which means that if a patient has DVT then in all likelihood the D-dimer will be elevated
- Doppler ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality for diagnosis of proximal DVT because it is safe, easily accessible, cost-effective and reliable
- Other diagnostic imaging modalities used for DVT include conventional contrast venography, computed tomography (CT) venography and magnetic resonance (MRI) venography. Contrast venography is the gold standard for lower extremity DVT, but it is limited by a number of factors including availability, patient discomfort, user-dependence, inadequate visualization and patient-specific variables such as contrast allergy and renal insufficiency
What can happen if you are complacent about DVT?
- The clot can migrate up into the lungs causing pulmonary thromboembolism which can cause a lot of morbidity and death
- Discoloration of the skin
- Non healing ulcers in the legs
Early diagnosis and aggressive management is of paramount importance to prevent the above complications
Prevention of DVT involves giving blood thinners prophylactically and using compression stockings while in hospital. More aggressive measures like using DVT pumps wrapped around legs if blood thinners cannot be given
In long standing patients, Vitamin K antagonists are used in which case the PT/INR should be constantly monitored. In the past few years more convenient blood thinners are available which are more predictable in their action and do not need any blood thinning monitoring tests (PTINR). Do discuss with your cardiologist to know more about this condition
