A disorder known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is characterized by clots that develop in veins all over the body. You are at risk of suffering from vein damage, discomfort, and swelling because these clots can stop blood from flowing back to the heart. These clots can spread to other areas of the body or stop blood flow to your extremities, leading to limb loss, if DVT is not treated.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when these clots go to the lungs, according to Dr. Tapish Sahu, veins specialist Doctor in Delhi at Manipal Hospital Dwarka “This is a serious condition that has to be treated at the earliest. In this blog, Dr. Tapish Sahu, a distinguished Peripheral Vascular Surgeon, sheds light on Deep Vein Thrombosis, covering causes, symptoms, and cutting-edge treatment options. Get expert insights to protect yourself from problems of DVT.”
Understanding And Diagnosing Thrombosis
Not all blood clotting is harmful. When you acquire a cut, your body’s natural defense mechanism is activated for your blood to coagulate in order to stop the bleeding. However, there are additional factors that may affect your body’s capacity to create clots, increasing your risk of developing DVT. This comprises:
- Smoking
- Using specific drugs
- Cancer
- Chemotherapy
- Disorders of blood coagulation
- Chronic conditions involving inflammation
- Inflammatory diseases also raise your risk of DVT. You might be more vulnerable if you suffer the following:
- Trauma from surgery
- Pregnancy illness and
- Frequent long-distance travel
- Prolonged immobility (e.g., prolonged hospitalization or bed rest)
“DVT can affect people at any age due to these factors,” Dr. Tapish Sahu explains. The majority of DVT patients will initially report pain. The swelling may cause your limbs to appear asymmetrical, or in severe situations, an extremity may swell up rapidly. The best course of action in both situations is to make an appointment with your vascular surgeon who is expert in the treatment of all vein problems.
There are several methods for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis. The most popular is a blood test that searches for a protein known as D-dimer, which is linked to the production of clots. To find any possible clots that may have formed, your doctor may also perform a vein ultrasound.
Treatment of DVT –
Most often, an at-home treatment regimen is effective in improving your condition. Your doctor may provide recommendations based on the severity of your symptoms and risk factors. Some common at-home treatments include:
Compression garments: Available over the counter and at most drug stores, compression socks, and sleeves help promote circulation and blood flow to your extremities.
Elevation: Elevating swollen limbs can help extra fluid circulate back toward the heart.
Anticoagulation medication: A pill you take 1-2 times per day to prevent your blood from clotting. (If you are in the hospital, this can be given through an IV.) In most cases, patients need to be on anticoagulation medication first before more invasive treatment options are considered.
If your symptoms are more severe or your doctor is concerned about clots moving towards your heart or lungs, they may recommend surgery to remove them.
There are two interventional therapies that are commonly used to treat these clots:
1. Thrombolysis: Medications are infused into the veins to dissolve blood clots and prevent new clots from forming.
2. Thrombectomy: The clot is removed from the vein or artery to restore normal blood flow.
“A vascular surgeon can perform these procedures both minimally invasively and through traditional open surgery,” says Dr. Tapish sahu. “Which option is best for you depends on your individual case and risk factors.”
Risks after Procedure –
The majority of patients will experience improvement after a few months, while the length of treatment will vary depending on the risk factors and your capacity to continue managing your disease.
Long-term consequences are to be anticipated; lower extremity edema may be more common in the absence of a secondary DVT diagnosis.
Another prevalent condition is post-thrombotic syndrome. Due to inflammation, scarring, and clotting following DVT, this condition may result in pain or swelling in the extremities.
Keep an eye on your symptoms, and if you observe any changes or a worsening of the pain or swelling, get in touch with your doctor.
In conclusion
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition that requires prompt attention and treatment. As a Best Vascular Surgeon in Delhi NCR, Dr. Tapish Sahu, Head of Vascular Surgery Department at Manipal Group of Hospitals, New Delhi strongly emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and management to prevent life-threatening complications.
At Manipal Hospital Dwarka, our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients suffering from DVT. With state-of-the-art facilities and advanced treatment options, we ensure that our patients receive the best possible outcomes.
