Deep Vein Thrombosis
UF Health vascular surgeons manage deep vein thrombosis through a combination of therapies. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT ) is when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, one that drains blood from a major area of the body. If the clot travels through the veins to other parts of the body, it can cause serious complications or even death.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT ) is when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, one that drains blood from a major area of the body. If the clot travels through the veins to other parts of the body, it can cause serious complications or even death.
UF Health vascular surgeons manage deep vein thrombosis through a combination of therapies. One of these is percutaneous management of deep vein thrombosis and requires local anesthesia in the affected area. The surgeon will insert a small catheter into the blood clot to deliver blood thinner medications directly. In some patients, a small filter is placed in the body’s largest vein to prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs.
Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis may happen without symptoms. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness in the leg, arm, or other area. These symptoms may mean that you have a blood clot. The symptoms of a blood clot may also look like other medical conditions. Always work with your healthcare provide for a diagnosis.
Deep vein thrombosis risk factors
- Overweight or obesity
- Blood clotting disorder
- Age over 60 years
- Surgery
- A long period of not moving, for example, when in the hospital or on a long trip
- Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
- Paralysis
- Pregnancy
- Having a central venous catheter, for example, in a large vein in the chest
- Certain diseases and conditions, such as:
- Previous blood clot
- Varicose veins
- Heart problems, such as heart failure, or heart attack
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Lupus, a disease of the immune system
- Cancer and some cancer treatments