Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious vein-related disorder that affects 2-5% of adults. Fortunately, with early diagnosis and intervention, it’s possible to treat and sometimes actually remove the clot from the body depending on its location. At Southern Vascular of Panama City, LLC, with locations in Downtown Panama City, Panama City Beach, Port St. Joe, and Chipley, Florida, board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon Ashish Gupta, MD, FACS, RVT, and the team provide office-based treatments for DVT, including vein angioplasty, stents, and anticoagulation therapy. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) causes blood clots to form in the deep veins of your body, particularly the veins in your legs. Without treatment, a blood clot caused by DVT can break loose and travel through your bloodstream. This can result in a blockage to your lungs, called a pulmonary embolism.
DVT can occur due to an underlying medical condition or long periods of inaction. Anyone can experience DVT, but it’s especially common in people with clotting disorders and those over the age of 60.
What are some common signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
The symptoms of DVT vary from person to person. Early on, you might not experience any symptoms at all. As DVT progresses, telltale signs include:
- Leg pain
- Leg cramping or soreness
- Red or discolored skin
- A feeling of warmth
Discoloration and cramping can occur anywhere in the leg, but these symptoms are especially common between the calves and ankles.
Who gets deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Anyone can experience deep vein thrombosis, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
- Inheriting a blood clotting disorder
- Suffering an injury
- Undergoing surgery
- Being pregnant
- Taking birth control pills
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Inflammatory bowel disease
You’re also more likely to experience DVT if you work a job that requires long periods of sitting, such as a truck driver or pilot.
How is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) diagnosed?
To diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the team at Southern Vascular of Panama City, LLC conducts a physical examination, reviews your medical history, and asks about your lifestyle and symptoms. During the exam, your provider observes your legs for areas of swelling, tenderness, or discoloration.
If your provider determines you’re at risk of a blood clot, they may order additional testing, like an ultrasound, blood tests, or venography. These measures help the team visualize your circulatory system, which plays an important role in guiding treatment.
How is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treated?
The team at Southern Vascular of Panama City, LLC offers several types of treatment for deep vein thrombosis, including:
Vein angioplasty
Vein angioplasty is an outpatient treatment in which your provider uses a balloon-tipped catheter to open a blocked vessel and improve circulation. The treatment is minimally invasive and doesn’t require general anesthesia.
Vein stenting
Vein stenting is similar to angioplasty but uses a small mesh tube called a stent to hold a vein open. Stenting is an outpatient procedure used to safely improve blood flow.
Anticoagulant therapy
Anticoagulant therapy uses prescription medications to prevent clotting. There are several types of blood thinners used in anticoagulant therapy. The type you’ll most benefit from depends on your health history and the severity of your DVT.
To learn more about the various treatments for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), schedule an appointment at Southern Vascular of Panama City, LLC. Call the office or book a consultation online today.