Vein Thromboembolism - DVT / PE

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) are blood clots in veins. When DVT is not diagnosed and treated, it can break loose and travel to the lungs and be fatal. This is called a pulmonary embolisms (PE).

A simple ultrasound can diagnose DVT and effective treatment can almost eliminate the risk of fatal PE. The best treatment option is prevention by risk factor identification and increased awareness.

Risk factors include:

• advanced age
• family history
• prior clotting episodes
• hormonal changes
• malignancy
• obesity
• prolonged immobility during travel
• serious injury
• surgery or other hospitalizations

Appropriate preventative measures can be undertaken when high risk individuals are placed in increased risk situations to prevent DVT and PE. When DVT or PE does occur, treatment options can include

• anticoagulation (“blood thinning medication”)
• thrombolytic therapy (“clot busters”)
• thrombectomy (“clot removal”), and
• vena cava filter placement (filter to prevent clot traveling to lungs).