What medical devices help with deep vein thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis, also called DVT, is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition in which the blood clots in the deep veins of the legs. In rare cases, DVTs may also develop in the abdomen or pelvis.¹ This condition is a medical emergency and requires treatment right away. 

Symptoms of DVT may include:

• Swelling
• Pain 
• Redness in the affected leg

It’s important to note that deep vein thrombosis is not typically related to varicose veins. Even if you have large varicose veins, those are generally near the skin’s surface. Deep vein thrombosis usually affects the veins deep within the legs. However, there are exceptions where severe varicose veins may increase the risk of DVT.² 

If you have questions or concerns about living with DVT or varicose veins, it’s important to reach out to a vascular specialist. 

4 Deep Vein Thrombosis Medical Devices and Treatments

The best option for managing DVTs is to prevent them with compression devices and stockings. However, if you develop DVTs, there are also treatment options available.

Preventative Devices

Pneumatic Compression Devices

There are several kinds of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices people can use to prevent deep vein thrombosis.³ IPC devices work like a cuff. They enclose your calf or whole leg, inflating to apply pressure on the body part. After that, they deflate and begin the process again. 

IPC devices support patients who are bedbound due to recent surgery, people with medical conditions that limit their mobility, pregnant women, individuals undergoing cancer treatment, and others. 

Compression Stockings

Another option for preventing DVTs is the use of compression stockings. Compression stockings, particularly graduated compression stockings, apply varied pressure to different regions of the legs to prevent the formation of blood clots.⁴

Treatment Options

Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis

Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is one of the newer options for correcting DVT. In CDT, a thrombolytic agent is infused next to a blood clot to help dissolve it and restore normal blood flow to the region. 

This treatment uses a catheter to guide medications or a medical device to the affected vein.⁵

IVC Filters

An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a small device that fits into the vein and is designed to prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs. To get an IVC filter, patients must go through a short surgery.⁶

Learn More About Varicose Veins and Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. You can prevent DVTs with compression aids, and other interventions are also available if you develop DVT.

Whether you’re looking for a vascular surgeon or just want to know more about the conditions that affect your veins, you can learn more here at My Vein Treatment. 

SOURCES:

1. NHS Inform: “Deep vein thrombosis.”
2. Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Varicose Veins.”
3. Johns Hopkins Medicine: “DVT Prevention: Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices.”
4. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: “Graduated compression stockings for prevention of deep vein thrombosis.”
5. RadiologiyInfo.org: “Catheter-directed Thrombolysis.”
6. Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter Placement.”