Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is also called venous thrombosis and refers to a blood clot developing in any vein deep inside your body. Such a blood clot can block the flow of blood through this vein. Most of the different types of DVT will develop in the thigh, lower leg, pelvis, etc. but they can also be occasionally discovered in other body parts like the intestines, liver, arms, brain, kidney, etc.
Thrombosis is known to be a major killer in the UK, but most people have little knowledge about it or how grave the consequences can be if it is left untreated. So, if you understand thrombosis and know about the different types of DVT, you can avoid these health issues and take care of the problem before the situation deteriorates.
Different types of DVT
- Chronic DVT
This refers to a condition in which the clot is more than a couple of months old; it becomes much harder and starts to scar the vein where it had lodged itself. As a result, the vein grows smaller and constricted, and blood flow through it is hampered. The most common symptoms of the chronic type of DVT are leg swelling and possible discoloration of the skin in the leg right below the knee. Patients who have been diagnosed with a chronic type of DVT must be given compression stockings to alleviate the symptoms. Most symptoms arise because the vein gets blocked, affecting the blood flowing out of one’s leg. Often, metal stents are placed inside the blocked veins to ensure they stay open for smooth blood flow. These are similar to stents that are placed in the human heart for blocked arteries, albeit slightly bigger. The whole procedure must be done in a hospital, but you only need a simple band-aid later at the site where the doctor enters the vein. - Acute DVT
The main idea behind the treatment of this type of DVT is to restore the blood circulation immediately. When the clot has been removed or dissolved with medications, the swelling will come down and pain will also disappear. Many types of devices and medicines can be used for removing the clot. The procedure will entail placing a catheter, like an IV, into the affected vein. How long the clot has been there and how much of clot is there will decide which device is better for treatment. Some medicines, like heparin, coumadin, etc., will not remove the clot but rather dissolve it. However, this method may not be effective at all times, and the veins continue to stay blocked. Some medical facilities are trying new methods like administering clot-busting medicines into the clot directly. There are even methods involving the use of devices to break down the clot into smaller pieces, which may be removed through a suction catheter. These methods of treatment require only a brief stay at the hospital.