Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot that develops in a vein deep in the body. The Cleveland Clinic explains that this condition is more common to develop in the lower extremities such as the legs or thighs; however, DVT of the upper extremities is growing in occurrence. This condition is not necessarily life-threatening unless the blood clot travels through the bloodstream, where it may lodge in blood vessels of the lung. Symptoms of arm DVT include swelling, pain or tenderness in the impacted arm and vein enlargement.
Paget-Schroetter Syndrome
Paget-Schroetter syndrome is a rare disorder causing arm DVT. The condition occurs as a result of the vein beneath the collarbone clotting and compressing, notes UCLA Surgery. This syndrome can present at birth; however, the most common cause is overexertion and over-development of the neck muscles and upper extremities. A 2002 study reported by the American Heart Association in the "Circulation" journal indicates that significant thrombosis from heavy exertion causes trauma to the vessels, leading to repeated insults in the vein walls.
Catheters
Medical facilities use catheters, thin flexible tubes inserted in the body, to administer or withdraw fluids. Arm catheters are used to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions, such as atherosclerosis or coronary heart disease. The American Heart Association notes that catheter-related thrombosis is caused by vessel wall damage during insertion or during medication administration. The catheter may prevent blood flow through the vein, causing blockage preceding clotting. Catheter-related arm DVT is referred to as secondary thrombosis and is preventable with careful positioning of the device.
Medical Devices
Medical devices important for saving lives can cause DVT. A pacemaker, which is a small device placed in the chest or abdomen to help regulate heart rhythm, is installed during a minor surgical procedure. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute explains that pacemaker surgery is done in a medical setting by making an incision in the chest area. Prior to placement, the surgeon puts a needle in the large vein near the shoulder. During this process, the vein walls can become irritated and cause clotting to occur.
