Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs. These clots can partially or completely block blood flow, causing pain, swelling, and potentially serious complications. DVT is a serious medical condition because clots can break loose, travel through the bloodstream, and lodge in the lungs, causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE).

Blood clots form when blood flow slows or becomes stagnant, when blood vessel walls are damaged, or when blood has an increased tendency to clot. Common symptoms include swelling in the affected leg (often just one leg), pain or tenderness in the leg that may feel like cramping or soreness, warmth in the affected area, and red or discolored skin. However, some people with DVT have no symptoms at all, making awareness of risk factors crucial.

Risk factors for DVT include prolonged immobility such as long flights or bed rest after surgery, recent surgery especially orthopedic procedures, injury to veins, pregnancy and the postpartum period, use of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, cancer and cancer treatments, inherited clotting disorders, obesity, smoking, and age over 60. Having multiple risk factors significantly increases DVT likelihood.

Treatment Options

At Western Surgical Group, our vascular surgeons provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for deep vein thrombosis. The primary goals are to prevent the clot from growing, prevent it from breaking loose and traveling to the lungs, reduce the chance of another DVT, and minimize long-term complications.

Treatment approaches depend on clot location, size, severity, and your overall health:

  • Anticoagulation Therapy: Blood thinning medications are the first-line treatment for most DVT cases, preventing clot growth and new clot formation while the body naturally dissolves the existing clot
  • Thrombolysis: Catheter-directed delivery of clot-dissolving medications directly to the clot site for severe cases or when rapid clot resolution is needed
  • Thrombectomy: Minimally invasive removal of the clot through catheters for extensive clots that threaten limb viability
  • IVC Filter Placement: A small device placed in the inferior vena cava to catch clots before they reach the lungs, used when anticoagulation is contraindicated or has failed
  • Compression Therapy: Graduated compression stockings to reduce swelling and prevent post-thrombotic syndrome

Our team works closely with your primary care provider and other specialists to ensure coordinated care, from acute treatment through long-term management and prevention of recurrence.

Divisions Involved in Your Care

Nothing Found

Procedures We Use

Frequently Asked Questions

DVT is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and risk factors, then typically order a venous ultrasound (duplex scan), which is the primary test for DVT. The ultrasound shows blood flow in your veins and can detect clots. Blood tests measuring D-dimer levels may also be used. In some cases, additional imaging like CT or MRI venography may be needed.

Initial treatment typically involves several days of close monitoring, either in the hospital or as an outpatient depending on severity. Anticoagulation therapy usually continues for at least 3 months, though some patients require longer treatment or even lifelong anticoagulation depending on their risk factors and whether the DVT was provoked by a temporary risk factor or unprovoked. Your vascular surgeon will determine the appropriate duration for your situation.

Once anticoagulation treatment has begun and under medical supervision, walking is generally encouraged and beneficial. Early mobilization helps prevent complications and doesn't increase the risk of pulmonary embolism. However, you should avoid prolonged standing or sitting. Your healthcare team will provide specific guidance on activity levels based on your individual situation. Always follow their recommendations.

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a long-term complication that can develop after DVT, occurring in about 20-50% of patients. The clot damages vein valves, leading to chronic venous insufficiency. Symptoms include persistent leg pain, swelling, heaviness, skin discoloration, and in severe cases, venous ulcers. Wearing compression stockings, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and following your treatment plan can help prevent PTS.

The risk of recurrent DVT varies based on whether your initial DVT was provoked (caused by a temporary risk factor like surgery) or unprovoked. Unprovoked DVT has a higher recurrence risk. Following your anticoagulation regimen as prescribed, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged immobility, and wearing compression stockings as recommended can all reduce recurrence risk. Your vascular surgeon will develop a prevention strategy tailored to your risk profile.

If you experience sudden leg swelling, pain, warmth, or redness, especially if you have risk factors for DVT, seek immediate medical evaluation. DVT is a medical emergency because of the risk of pulmonary embolism. Call your doctor right away or go to an emergency room. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, or coughing up blood—signs of possible pulmonary embolism—call 911 immediately.