DVT · Post-thrombotic syndrome

Deep vein thrombosis and post-thrombotic syndrome

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg, and needs medical care the same day. Some people are left with swelling, aching or skin changes for months or years afterwards. This is called post-thrombotic syndrome, and it can be helped.

Same-day DVT scans with a GP referralCare for swelling and skin changes after a clotManly and St Leonards

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When to get help now. Call 000 if you have chest pain, sudden shortness of breath or you are coughing up blood, as a clot may have travelled to the lungs. If your calf or whole leg is swollen and painful, see your GP or go to the emergency department the same day. With a GP referral, call us and we can usually scan you the same day.

About DVT

What is a DVT?

A deep vein thrombosis is a clot in one of the deep veins inside the leg muscles. The main risk is that part of the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, called a pulmonary embolism, which is why a DVT needs prompt treatment.

Risks include recent surgery or a hospital stay, long periods of not moving such as long flights, pregnancy, the contraceptive pill or hormone therapy, cancer, and a previous clot.

Signs of a DVT

Swelling of one leg, often the calf, sometimes the whole leg

Pain, tenderness or cramping in the calf or thigh

Warmth over the swollen area

Red or darker skin on the leg

A heavy ache that gets worse when you stand or walk

Same-day scans

DVT ultrasound in Manly and St Leonards

An ultrasound is the standard test for a DVT. It is quick, painless and shows exactly where any clot is. About our vein ultrasound

Referral

Ask your GP for a referral for a DVT ultrasound, then call us. We can usually scan you the same day.

Cost

Bulk billed with a GP referral.

Your report

Sent to your GP the same day.

If a clot is found

Your GP or the hospital starts blood-thinning medicine that day.

After a clot

Post-thrombotic syndrome

A clot can damage the valves in the deep vein, or leave the vein partly blocked. Blood then pools in the lower leg and the pressure stays high, causing long-term symptoms.

It is worth having your veins checked if swelling, aching or skin changes have not settled 3 to 6 months after the clot, or sooner if you have an ulcer.

Signs to look for

Swelling of the leg that has not settled, worse at the end of the day

Aching, heaviness or cramping in the leg

Brown staining, dry or itchy skin, or hard, tight skin around the ankle

New varicose veins

A sore or ulcer near the ankle that is slow to heal

How we help

Treatment for post-thrombotic syndrome

Treatment depends on what your ultrasound shows, and often combines more than one of these.

Ultrasound

A scan of the deep and surface veins shows whether the deep vein has healed, and whether faulty surface veins are adding to the pressure.

Compression

Fitted medical-grade stockings to ease swelling and aching. About compression stockings

Treating surface veins

If faulty surface veins are making things worse, they can be closed with radiofrequency ablation or foam sclerotherapy.

Wound care

Dressings and compression bandaging in our rooms if there is an ulcer. About leg ulcers

Blocked pelvic veins

If a vein in the pelvis is still blocked, a stent can be placed in hospital to reopen it. Visit drryanmcconnell.com.au

Cost

What it costs

DVT ultrasound

Bulk billed

With a GP referral, usually the same day.

Consultation

$330

For swelling or skin changes after a clot. Medicare rebate of $88.40 with a GP referral, and your ultrasound is bulk billed.

Treatment

Quoted

If you need vein treatment, you get a written quote first.

See all fees

Your doctor

Dr Ryan McConnell

BMBS, FRANZCR · Interventional radiologist

Dr McConnell is an interventional radiologist and vein specialist, and Head of Interventional Radiology at Northern Beaches Hospital. He looks after your ultrasound, compression and vein treatment himself, and also performs hospital procedures for large clots and blocked pelvic veins. About varicose vein treatment

More about Dr McConnell

Questions

Common questions

How is a DVT treated?

Most DVTs are treated with blood-thinning medicine, started by your GP or the hospital, usually for at least 3 months. A small number of large clots in the thigh or pelvis need a procedure in hospital to remove the clot. Hospital procedures at drryanmcconnell.com.au

Is it a DVT or phlebitis?

A DVT is a clot in a deep vein, often with swelling of the calf or whole leg and little to see on the skin. Superficial thrombophlebitis is a clot in a vein just under the skin, which looks red and feels hard and sore. Both need an ultrasound. About phlebitis

Will the swelling go away after a DVT?

For many people it settles over the first few months. If swelling, aching or skin changes have not settled 3 to 6 months after the clot, it is worth having your veins checked.

Do compression stockings help after a DVT?

Fitted compression stockings can ease swelling and aching after a clot. Dr McConnell will advise whether they suit you and fit the right strength. About compression stockings

Do I need a referral?

Yes, for a DVT scan please get a GP referral, and the scan is bulk billed. For a consultation about swelling after a clot, a referral lets you claim the Medicare rebate and means we can keep your GP updated. GPs can find referral details on our information for doctors page.

Swelling that has not settled after a clot?

Book a consultation and ultrasound in Manly or St Leonards. For a suspected DVT today, call us.