Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a formation of a blood clot in veins of the legs. If the blood clot increases in size, it can impede circulation in the leg, causing pain, heat, redness and tenderness in the affected area. An embolus occurs when a DVT breaks away from its attached area and enters the bloodstream. This is dangerous because the clot can travel to the lungs and cut off pulmonary circulation. According to the Mayo Clinic, DVTs can form if you sit for a long time or have a medical condition affecting clotting factors in the blood.
Anticoagulant Drugs
Although some DVTs disappear on their own, others require treatment with medication. Also known as "blood thinners," anticoagulant drugs decrease the body's ability to form clots. This action prevents an existing clot from growing larger and prevents formation of new DVTs. However, anticoagulants do not break up existing clots. The Merck Manual states that a combination of injected and oral anticoagulant drugs is used to treat a DVT. Low-molecular-weight heparin acts immediately and is given via injection. Warfarin, an oral drug, is given at the same time with heparin because its action takes days for full effect. Once warfarin begins to work, heparin injections can be discontinued.
Thrombolytic Drugs
According to the Mayo Clinic, larger and more dangerous clots, such as those that have broken loose and caused a pulmonary embolism, may be treated with a stronger drug, referred to as a thrombolytic. Also known as "clot busters," these drugs dissolve existing clots and are given intravenously. tPA, or tissue plasminogen activator, is a commonly used clot buster. However, the Merck Manual adds that thrombolytics can only break up new clots that have been present for less than 48 hours. The Mayo Clinic also states thrombolytics are reserved for life-threatening situations because of their dangerous side effects, which include uncontrolled bleeding.
Umbrella Filters
In certain situations, your doctor may decide that placing a permanent umbrella-shaped filter between the formed clot and the heart is the best treatment option. According to the Mayo Clinic, these filters are usually placed in the inferior vena cava, a large vein located in the abdomen that carries blood from the lower extremities towards the heart. They filter out dislodged clots traveling to the lung, thereby preventing a pulmonary embolus.
Compression Stockings
In the hospital, compression stockings are commonly used for immobilized post-surgery patients due to their increased risk for DVTs. These stockings wrap around the lower leg and intermittently apply gentle pressure to help move the blood up. This action prevents stasis of blood, a state of slowed or stopped flow that causes clotting. The stockings also prevent swelling of the lower extremities caused by decreased mobility.
