Venous Thrombosis
Understanding, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis
and its Impact
While the superficial veins run close to the surface, just under the skin of the limbs, the deep veins travel deeper and between the muscles. They also possess valves and are responsible for the return of 85% of the blood from the lower extremities.
Blood stasis, vein injury, and blood clotting disorders can lead to thrombosis (the blood turns solid – a thrombus).
Superficial thrombosis is usually visible on the surface of the leg as a red, painful line.
Blood Stasis
Stagnation of circulation can lead to clot formation.
Vein Injury
Traumatic or pathological damage to the venous wall.
Clotting Disorders
Increased tendency of the blood to clot and form thrombi.
What is Thrombosis and how it affects your health
Dangerous Condition
Deep vein thrombosis causes painful edema (swelling), usually in one leg, and if not treated promptly, it can lead to thrombosis of the lung arteries.
Pulmonary Embolism
Either through the extension of the initial clot or by the detachment of a piece of the original thrombus and its metastasis to the pulmonary circulation, causing a pulmonary embolism which can be life-threatening.
- Early diagnosis is critical
- Immediate therapeutic management
- Prevention of serious complications
Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Anticoagulant Therapy
In every case of thrombosis, the patient is prescribed anticoagulant therapy, either in the form of Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) injections or in the form of oral tablets.
Factors determining the treatment:
- Patient's condition
- Weight and renal function
- Extent of the thrombosis
- Localization of the thrombosis
The role of anticoagulant therapy is not to dissolve the clot, but to prevent its extension, leading to its stabilization and shrinkage over time.
Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter
It is noted that in cases of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities where the patient cannot receive anticoagulant therapy, the Vascular Surgeon places a temporary metallic filter in the inferior vena cava (which connects the leg veins to the lungs) — known as an inferior vena cava filter — in order to prevent clot fragments from moving towards the lungs and causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Μακροχρόνιες Συνέπειες της Θρόμβωσης
Post-thrombotic syndrome
The result of thrombosis is permanent damage & dysfunction of the valves and, consequently, chronic venous insufficiency.
Ulcers
Ulcers appear that heal with difficulty.
Skin Discoloration
The skin turns dark and changes texture.
Skin Hardening
The skin of the lower legs hardens in advanced stages.
Early Diagnosis is Critical
The earlier thrombosis is diagnosed, the lower the risk to life & the sooner measures can be taken to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome.
- Thrombolysis
- Conservative treatment
- Endoluminal improvement
- Endovascular thrombectomy
- Venous Stenting
