Deep Vein Thrombosis
(Part 1)
When does Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT occur?
Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT occur when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of the body.
This can happen if a vein becomes damaged or if the blood flow within a vein slows down or stops.
While there are a number of risk factors for developing a DVT, two of the most common are an injury to your lower body and surgery that involves your hips or legs.
A DVT can have serious consequences.
If a blood clot breaks free, it may travel through the bloodstream and block blood flow to the lungs.
Although rare, this complication— called a pulmonary embolism—can be fatal.
Even if a blood clot does not break free, it may cause permanent damage to the valves in the vein.
This damage can lead to long- term problems in the leg such as pain, swelling, and leg sores.
In many cases, DVT occurs without noticeable symptoms and is very difficult to detect.
For this reason, doctors focus on preventing the development of DVT using different types of therapies, depending upon a patient’s needs.
Your doctor will take steps to prevent DVT if you have a major fracture or are having lower extremity surgery—including total hip or total knee replacement.