Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in your deep vein. When left untreated, a DVT may break loose and travel to your pulmonary artery, leading to a life-threatening situation. At Vascular Surgery Associates Medical Group, serving Beverly Hills and the Greater Los Angeles area from office locations in Beverly Grove, Santa Monica, and Glendale, California, the experienced vascular specialists provide comprehensive care for DVTs to prevent serious health consequences. Call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.
A DVT refers to a blood clot that forms in one of the deep veins in your body. As a result, your veins push blood back to the heart and lungs.
A DVT may partially or fully block the flow of blood through the vein, disrupting normal circulation. Or, it may break free from the vein and travel to your pulmonary artery, blocking blood flow to your lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism.
DVTs may also lead to circulation problems such as venous insufficiency, which impairs circulation in your veins to your heart and lungs.
You can develop a DVT in any vein in the body, but they most often occur in the legs.
Not everyone with a DVT has symptoms. Common symptoms of a DVT, however, include:
If you have shortness of breath, sharp chest pain, or severe pain in your back, you may be experiencing a pulmonary embolism and should call 911 or immediately go to the nearest emergency room for care.
When you visit Vascular Surgery Associates Medical Group with concerns about a DVT, your doctor conducts a thorough exam, so you get an accurate diagnosis.
Your doctor reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical. To confirm or rule out a DVT, your doctor runs a Doppler ultrasound. During this noninvasive test, they look for signs of blood clots and problems with circulation.
Your Vascular Surgery Associates Medical Group doctor takes a patient-centered approach to care and develops a DVT treatment plan that best meets your health needs.
When possible, Vascular Surgery Associates Medical Group takes a conservative approach to DVTs, recommending:
If you have a blood clot and cannot take blood-thinning medications,, your Vascular Surgery Associates Medical Group surgeon may recommend placing a vena cava filter. This filter prevents your blood clot from moving from your leg vein to your lungs. In select patients, your surgeon may recommend undergoing a procedure to remove the clot and stent your vein(s).
For expert care for your DVT from the well-regarded surgeons at Vascular Surgery Associates Medical Group, call the office closest to you or book an appointment online today.
