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Definition
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a thrombus (blood clot) forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. The condition may result in health complications and death if not diagnosed and treated effectively.
Venous thrombosis in the lower limb can involve the superficial leg veins, the deep veins of the calf (calf vein thrombosis), the more proximal veins, including popliteal veins, the superficial femoral, common femoral, and iliac veins. Less commonly, thrombosis involves other veins in the body. Unlike the superficial veins just below the skin surface, most of the deep veins are surrounded by powerful muscles that contract to force blood back to the heart. One-way valves inside the veins prevent backflow of blood between muscle contractions. When the rhythm of circulation slows down due to illness, injury, or inactivity, there may be a tendency for blood to accumulate or "pool." A static pool of blood provides an ideal environment for clot formation.
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Symptoms
Symptoms of DVT may include pain, swelling, tenderness, discoloration or redness of the affected area, and skin that is warm to the touch. However, as many as half of all DVT episodes produce minimal symptoms or are completely "silent."
Because a number of other conditions – including muscle strains, skin infections, and phlebitis (inflammation of veins) – display symptoms similar to those of DVT, the condition may be difficult to diagnose without specific tests.
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Non Invasive Testing
To identify where and how badly your veins are damaged, you may have tests to evaluate blood flow. These non-invasive tests are painless and do not use needles, dyes, or x-rays.
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Doppler Evaluation
During a doppler evaluation, your doctor, nurse, or trained technician uses a special stethoscope to listen for changes in blood flow that may indicate a clot or valve problem.
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New Treatments
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Vena Cava Filter
The OptEase Permanent Vena Cava Filter is a small double-basket, self-centering inferior vena cava filter that is laser cut from a nickel titanium alloy tube. The two baskets of the OptEase Filter consist of six diamond shaped openings that are designed for optimal clot capture while still preserving blood flow. The baskets are connected by six straight struts that are designed to center the OptEase Filter in the inferior vena cava. Fixation barbs at the strut and basket junction secure the filter to the vessel wall.
The constrained filter is small and flexible; as it is released into the body, it warms to body temperature and opens up to it’s full diameter.
How It Works: The filter is placed in the inferior vena cava, the largest vein in the body that brings blood from the legs back to the heart and lungs. The filter works by capturing free floating clots in the vena cava before they reach the lungs. After the clots are trapped, they gradually dissolve over time through the body’s own natural processes.
How the filter is placed into your body: A vascular surgeon from The Iowa Clinic Vascular Center performs the procedure in a radiology suite, operating room, or a special procedures room, using a small, flexibvle hallow tube called a catheter. The catheter is inserted through a small puncture site in a vein of the neck, groin or arm. When the catheter is in its proper location in the inferior vena cava, the filter is delivered. The filter opens as it comes out of the catheter and small barbs firmly attach the filter to the wall of the vena cava to prevent movement. Once the filter is in place, the catheter is removed.
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