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DVT Treatment

There have been several technological and pharmaceutical developments that have changed the way that deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is managed. DVTs remain a common and sometimes deadly problem, especially for patients who have limited mobility or are hospitalized. First line treatment options revolve around anticoagulation. For those patients with small DVTs relatable to a specific event such as a recent surgery this is often the only treatment necessary. Some patients have large blood clots in the upper legs and pelvis. While anticoagulation will help prevent progression of the blood clots, these patients may require thrombolysis or stent placement to help treat current DVTs and prevent future clots. For patients with recurrent DVTs despite adequate anticoagulation, IVC filter placement may be necessary to prevent pulmonary embolisms in the future.

For those patients undergoing surgery, if clots form they usually develop in the legs or pelvis. When patients undergo general anesthesia their veins dilate and blood pools. This allows platelets to stick together and form a clot. This clot can travel to other organs, especially the lungs where it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE).Not all DVTs form in patients undergoing surgery. Some patients may have a hypercoagulable state due to genetically abnormal clotting factors or even cancer. These hypercoagulable states make blood more likely to clot and cause DVTs in any area of the body.

Diagnosis of a PE is usually by CTA (computed tomography angiogram). Treatment is initially with anticoagulation. For patients with severe pulmonary embolisms affecting cardiac function the offending clot can be treated with thrombolysis similar to DVT treatment in the legs. While treatment of PE with thrombolysis does not change mortality, it can help ease symptoms.

The success of a DVT depends on a number of factors including the location of the clot, the time between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis of the DVT, the size of the DVT, and the overall health of the patient. When patients are looking for a vascular surgeon to treat their DVT, they need to find a top board-certified surgical specialist. For patients looking for a Bradenton vascular surgeon, contact Dr. Jenna Kazil with the Florida Surgical Clinic located in Bradenton, FL. Dr. Kazil is a superior double board-certified vascular surgeon in Bradenton who has the expertise necessary to treat a wide variety of vascular issues including the emergent procedure that is necessary for a successful treatment of a DVT. Patients should contact Dr. Kazil for all of their vascular and surgical needs.

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