When deep vein thrombosis goes untreated, it can get large enough to block blood flow. Or worse, the clot can break off and cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Dr. Menezes provides exceptional treatment for deep vein thrombosis at his practice, Nelson Menezes Vascular Specialist PC in Brooklyn Heights and Fort Greene, Brooklyn. If you have questions or you’d like to schedule an appointment, use the online booking feature or call your nearest New York City office today.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when your blood thickens, forming a blood clot or thrombus in a vein located deep in your body. Most DVTs develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis. However, they can also occur in your arm, intestines, liver, kidney, brain, or other areas.
You can develop a DVT when anything affects circulation or blood clotting, such as:
Your risk is also higher if you have a family history of DVT or pulmonary embolism.
DVTs cause pain in the affected leg or arm. You may also experience swelling along the vein and your skin may turn red or discolored.
Untreated DVTs can lead to chronic venous insufficiency and venous stasis ulcers. If you have a DVT, you’re also at risk of developing a life-threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a piece of the DVT breaks off, travels to your lungs, and lodges in a small artery. When this happens, the clot, now called a pulmonary embolism, causes chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, back pain, dizziness, and a fast heartbeat.
When Dr. Menezes treats DVT, he aims to eliminate the clot or stop it from enlarging or breaking loose. He also recommends lifestyle changes to lower your chance of another DVT in the future. Your individualized treatment may include:
Compression stockings promote normal blood flow and prevent swelling.
Dr. Menezes may prescribe medication to break up the clot and blood thinners, which can prevent future clots and stop your existing DVT from getting larger.
When your DVT can’t be treated with medications, Dr. Menezes may place a filter in the inferior vena cava, where pieces of the clot that break away can be trapped before they get to your lungs. Dr. Menezes performs this minimally invasive procedure using ultrasound imaging to guide a catheter into the vein and release the filter. The filter stays in place by attaching to the vein wall, where it continues to catch loose pieces from your DVT.
If you experience symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, call Nelson Menezes Vascular Specialist PC or book an appointment online.
