Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, often in the legs, which can lead to serious complications.
- NEW PATIENT OFFER
Free Consultation & Vein Screening*
*Patients must have Medicare and a GP referral to Dr McConnell to claim this offer
0
s
endovascular procedures
0
transformed patients
0
%
cure rate for varicose veins
0
4 major hospitals
Feeling embarrassed with what you wear? Low self-confidence during summertime? Constant leg pain? Why put up with it when you don’t have to? With over 500 procedures a year, we are your Northern Beaches and North Shore vein specialists.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one of the deep veins of the body. Most commonly, DVTs are located within leg veins. However, they occasionally can be found in pelvic or arm veins.
Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition that can lead to long-term health problems if not treated.
Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
While some people with deep vein thrombosis may be asymptomatic, most common symptoms include:
- Swelling of the leg
- Pain or tenderness
- Discoloration or redness of the skin
- Engorged superficial veins
- Heavy feeling in the affected leg
What causes a Deep Vein Thrombosis?
The following factors increase a patient’s risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis:
- Increased blood coagulability (hypercoagulability)
- Damage or injury to the inner lining of a vein
- Sluggish blood flow within a vein
Risk factors
Some common risk factors for deep vein thrombosis include:
- Ageing: The risk of developing deep vein thrombosis increases as you get older.
- Gender: Women are at a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis than men.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.
- Estrogen based contraception: Estrogen increases the bloods coagulable state, making it more likely that clot will form.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy: Women who are taking hormone replacement therapy are at a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.
- Smoking: Smoking increases your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.
- Obesity: Obesity increases your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.
- Immobility: long immobility increases your chance of sluggish blood flow, increasing the risk of DVT.
- Previous DVT: If you have had a blood clot in the past, you are at a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.
- Recent surgery
- Certain medical conditions (e.g. cancer)
- Genetics: Certain inherited genetic clotting disorders increase the risk of DVT.
Known complications of Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Postphlebitic syndrome
- Chronic venous insufficiency
What treatment options are there for Deep Vein Thrombosis?
There are several treatments available for people with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), including:
- Anticoagulant medications: After a DVT is diagnosed, anticoagulant therapy (blood thinners) are administered in order to prevent further formation of thrombi
- Thrombolysis: This is an interventional procedure where a catheter (hollow tube) is inserted into a vein and placed at the specific thrombus location. A thrombolytic medication is then administered to dissolve the clot and establish normal blood flow in the affected vein.
- Endovascular thrombectomy: This procedure uses a catheter to remove the clot from the blood vessel.
When should I seek medical advice?
Early detection and treatment of DVT is critical to avoid more serious health risks. If you are experiencing any kind of DVT symptoms, urgently contact your health provider. The vein specialists at Vein Doctors Sydney can provide an assessment, ultrasound scan and perform required interventional procedures for DVT if required.
Get Your Free Consultation And
Why Choose Us
- Minimally Invasive Treatments with a Higher Success Rate
Our minimally invasive procedures offer fewer risks, a quicker recovery, and higher success rates than open surgery. - 98% Cure Rate
Following our non-surgical treatments patients are recovering much quicker with a cure rate of 98%. - Vascular Ultrasound Technology
Onsite ultrasound service is available. It is a safe and effective way to assess the blood flow in the arteries or veins. - Experience Proven by 1000s of Patients
We’ve performed 1000s of endovascular procedures and transformed the lives of over 2500 patients - Expert Assistance by our Friendly and Trained Specialists
Our practice promotes a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where patients are provided with accurate information based on the latest research and technology - Everything Under One Roof
At Vein Doctors we’re committed to providing complete, integrated care under one roof. From diagnosis and treatment to prevention.
What Not to Do with Deep Vein Thrombosis
There are a few things that should not be done if someone is diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis. These include:
- Not resting – It is important to rest as much as possible when you have deep vein thrombosis. This will help your body heal and prevent additional clots from forming.
- Not taking your medication – If you are prescribed medication to help dissolve the clot, it is important to take it as prescribed.
- Not elevating your legs – Keeping your legs elevated will help improve blood flow and reduce swelling.
- Not avoiding strenuous activity – Strenuous activity can aggravate the condition and increase the risk of a blood clot breaking free and traveling to the lungs.
When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?
There is no specific time frame for when you should see your healthcare provider after developing a deep vein thrombosis.
Early detection and treatment are critical for avoiding more serious health risks. If you experience any kind of DVT symptoms, don’t hesitate to give a call to vein specialist Sydney. We provide the best service for vein problems and can help you get started on the path to recovery.
Less Covering Up. More Showing Off.
Regain the Comfort and Confidence in Your Legs
Grab Our New Patient Offer
Free Consultation and Vein Screening*
This consultation is the perfect way for you to learn about what we can do to help you become free of the pain and discomfort of your varicose veins. From start to finish a consultation takes about 45 minutes and the valuable information you will receive will enable you to make important healthcare decisions about your varicose veins.
- A comprehensive venous ultrasound will be performed
- A vascular doctor will discuss the results with you, answer any questions you may have and present various treatment options
- A personalised treatment plan will be provided based on the results of your vein assessment.
- After your consultation, it is important to know that our team are on hand to answer any further questions and to support you through your journey
*A valid GP referral is required to claim this offer