DVT Management

DVT or deep vein thrombosis management revolves around diagnosis with ultrasound and treatment with low molecular weight heparin followed by warfarin.

If you suspect you have a DVT which typically presents as a painful swollen and hot lower leg, you need an urgent ultrasound which at Palm Clinic is performed by very experienced vein sonographers. If the DVT is confirmed your condition will be managed by a phlebologist (vein specialist). This usually involves an initial blood test, daily injections of low molecular weight heparin (Clexane) then conversion to warfarin for at least three months. You will also be placed in Class 2 compression hosiery and will require serial ultrasounds to monitor the situation.

A DVT can lead to a clot breaking off from the deep vein in the leg and travelling to the lung where it causes obstruction in the pulmonary artery - this is called a pulmonary embolus and can be life threatening.  Symptoms of pulmonary embolus (PE) include severe chest pain, shortness of breath and coughing blood.  If any of these symptoms are present you should dial 111 as pulmonary embolus needs to be urgently diagnosed and treated in hospital.

Large DVT's can lead to a permanent obstruction to outflow of blood from the leg - post thrombotic syndrome.  This causes a permanently swollen leg which can be painful.  This scenario is fortunately not common following DVT and in fact most DVT's do not cause any symptoms and remain undetected.  Those that are diagnosed mostly resolve completey without significant damage to the deep veins.