Deep vein thrombosis

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) arises from the formation of a blood clot in the vein. When a clot develops in the vein, blood cannot circulate throughout the limb adequately.

Causes

Any injury to the blood vessel wall causes a blockage and affects blood flow. Also, long periods of inactivity contribute to DVT, particularly in one's legs. When a person sits for too long, blood moves slowly throughout the legs, and blood clots may form.

Symptoms

Inflammation is a common sign of deep vein thrombosis.

Other signs include:

  • Cramping
  • Foot and ankle pain
  • Blue or red-tinged skin
  • Shoulder and neck pain
  • Hand weakness

Diagnosis

Dr Botha and Dr Shone at first conduct a physical exam to rule out other venous-related diseases.

Additional diagnostic tests include:

  • Ultrasound: An ultrasound utilises high-frequency soundwaves to capture images of the inside of veins and arteries. The test also checks if there's a blood clot present.
  • Venogram: If the results from ultrasound are inconclusive, a venogram comes to mind. For a venogram, the vascular surgeons inject non-toxic dye into the vein, which helps create pictures as seen on an x-ray.

Treatment

Treatment aims to stop the clot from increasing in size or migrating. Anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, prevent the development of clots.

Other types of treatments include:

  • Vena Cava Filter: An IVF filter is a particular purifier that's inserted into the inferior vena cava. The vascular surgeon gently inserts a filter via a small incision into the large vein in the abdomen. The IVF filter enables blood to circulate and prevents clots from moving to the lungs. It doesn't treat new clots but instead stops pulmonary embolism.
  • Venous Stenting: Venous stents are special mesh-like tubes that stretch and open up blocked vein walls.
  • Thrombolysis: A thrombolysis is a particular medical procedure that dissolves a blood clot. The vascular surgeon slides a catheter through the vein and into the clot. Through the use of x-rays, he applies thrombolytic medication or tools to dissolve the clot.
  • Thrombectomy: A thrombectomy is a surgery to remove a life-threatening blood clot. The entire procedure is done through the use of a catheter. To gain access to the vein, the vascular surgeon inserts a medical instrument through a tiny incision and removes the troublesome clot.

"A sound knowledge of pathology is the only safe guide for the hands of a Surgeon, no matter how skilled those hands may be. Indeed, the more skillful they are, the more dangerous they may become without this lantern to light the way. Unless he builds on that solid foundation, the Surgeon may be no better than a hewer of flesh and a drawer of blood"

- Boyd