Deep Vein Thrombosis
(Part 5)
This is a discussion of the treatment for Deep Vein Thrombosis.
Treatment
Since DVT may occur after a major fracture or surgery, many patients are already hospitalized when the condition is diagnosed.
The goals of treatment for DVT are to:
• Stop the blood clot from getting bigger
• Prevent the clot from breaking off and traveling to the lungs where it could lead to pulmonary embolism
• Reduce the chance of developing another clot
• Minimize the risk of developing other complications
Most often, treatment for DVT is nonsurgical.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Anticoagulants. Nonsurgical treatment usually consists of taking anticoagulants—blood thinning medications that will prevent further clotting and help dissolve existing clots.
Anticoagulant medications are started immediately after the clot is diagnosed.
Anticoagulants can cause bleeding problems if the dosage is too high so their use must be monitored closely whether you are in the hospital or at home.
Depending upon the medication you are taking, your doctor may order frequent blood tests to check how long it takes for your blood to clot.
It is important to make sure that the medication level in your blood is high enough to prevent clots, but not too high to cause excessive bleeding.
Surgical Treatment
If anticoagulants do not stop your blood clot from increasing in size, or if you have a medical condition that does not allow you to take anticoagulation medications, your doctor may recommend surgery to insert a small device called a vena cava filter into the main vein leading to your heart.
This filter is designed to capture most blood clots traveling through your blood stream before they reach your lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.
In rare cases, surgery might be recommended to remove a blood clot from the veins or lungs. (To be continued)