Patient focused surgical care
Deep Vein Thrombosis
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep leg vein. These are blood vessels which go through the muscles (not the veins which you can see just below the skin). A calf vein is the commonest site for a DVT. Thigh veins are less commonly affected.
Why do blood clots form in leg veins?
Blood normally flows quickly through veins, and does not usually clot. Sometimes a DVT occurs for no apparent reason. However, the following increase the risk of having a DVT.
- Immobility which causes blood flow in the veins to be slow. Slow flowing blood is more likely to clot than normal flowing blood.
- A surgical operation which lasts more than 30 minutes commonest cause of a DVT.
- Any illness or injury that causes immobility increases the risk of a DVT.
- Long journeys by plane, train, etc are thought to cause a slightly increased risk of DVT. This is probably due to sitting cramped for long periods.
- Faulty blood clotting is an uncommon cause. One example is an inherited condition that causes the blood to clot more easily than normal (factor V leiden ).
- The contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which contain oestrogen can cause the blood to clot slightly more easily. Women taking 'the pill' or 'HRT' have a small increased risk of DVT.
- Damage to the inside lining of the vein increases the risk of a blood clot forming. For example, a DVT may damage the lining of the vein. So, if you have already had a DVT, then you have a higher than average risk of having another one sometime in the future.
- Older people are more likely to have a DVT, particularly if you have poor mobility or have a serious illness such as cancer.
- Pregnancy increases the risk. About 1 in 1000 pregnant women have a DVT.
- Obesity also increases the risk of having a DVT.
Symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis
The typical symptoms are pain, tenderness, and swelling of the calf. Blood that would normally go through the blocked vein is diverted to outer veins. The calf may then become warm and red. Sometimes there are no symptoms, and a DVT is only diagnosed if a complication occurs (see below).
Sometimes it is difficult for a doctor to be sure of the diagnosis as there are other causes of a painful and swollen calf. You will be seen urgently if you have a suspected DVT. Tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Is a deep vein thrombosis serious?
When a blood clot forms in a leg vein it usually sticks to the vein wall. The symptoms tend to settle gradually. There are two potentially serious complications:
- Pulmonary embolus (a blood clot which travels to the lung).
- Post thrombotic syndrome (persistent calf symptoms).
Pulmonary embolus
In a small number of people who have a DVT, a part of the blood clot 'breaks off'. This travels in the bloodstream up the larger leg veins to the heart and eventually will get stuck in a blood vessel going to a lung. This is called a pulmonary embolus. A small pulmonary embolus may not cause any symptoms. A medium sized pulmonary embolus can cause breathing problems and chest pain. A large pulmonary embolus can cause collapse and sudden death.
Post-thrombotic syndrome
Without treatment, 6 in 10 people who have a DVT develop long-term symptoms in the calf. This is called 'post-thrombotic syndrome'. Symptoms occur because the increased flow and pressure of the diverted blood in other veins can affect the tissues of the calf. Symptoms include: calf pain, discomfort, swelling, and rashes. An ulcer on the skin of the calf may develop in severe cases. Post-thrombotic syndrome is more likely to occur if the DVT happens in a thigh vein.
Treatment of a deep vein thrombosis
The aims of treatment are:
- To prevent the clot spreading up the vein and getting larger. This prevents the possibility of a large embolus breaking off and travelling to the lungs.
- To reduce the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome developing.
- To prevent a further DVT in the future.
Anticoagulation - preventing the clot from getting bigger
Anticoagulation alters certain chemicals in the blood to stop clots forming so easily. This prevents a DVT from getting bigger, and prevents new clots from forming. Warfarin is the usual anticoagulant. However, it takes a few days for warfarin tablets to work fully. So, heparin injections are often used in the first few days for immediate effect. A serious embolus is rare if you start anticoagulation treatment early after a DVT.
You will need regular blood tests whilst you take warfarin. You need them quite often at first, but then less frequently once the correct dose is found.
Compression and raising the leg - to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome
If the DVT was in a thigh vein, you may be advised to wear a compression stocking. With this treatment the risk of developing post-thrombotic syndrome is much reduced. You should wear the stocking each day, for at least 2 years. (Symptoms of post-thrombotic syndrome may develop even several months after a DVT, which is why you should wear the stocking long-term.)
The slight pressure from the stocking helps to prevent fluid seeping into the calf tissues from the outer veins which carry the extra diverted blood following a DVT. The stocking also reduces, and may prevent, calf swelling. This in turn reduces discomfort and the risk of skin ulcers forming.
If you are advised to wear a compression stocking, you should put it on each day whilst lying in bed before getting up. Wear it for the whole day until you go to bed, or until you rest in the evening with the leg raised. Take the stocking off before going to bed.
Preventing a first DVT - or a recurrence of a DVT
A DVT is often a 'one-off' event. In this situation you will normally be advised to stop taking warfarin after a few months. Some people have an ongoing risk of a further DVT. For example, if you have a blood clotting problem, or continued immobility. You may then be advised to continue taking warfarin long-term.
Other things that may help to prevent a first or recurrent DVT include the following.
- Avoid long periods of immobility such as sitting in a chair for many hours. If you are able, get up and walk around. A daily brisk walk for 30-60 minutes is better. The aim is to stop the blood 'pooling', and to get the circulation in the legs moving. Regular exercise of the calf muscles also helps. You can do calf exercises even when you are sitting.
- Major surgical operations are known to be a risk for a DVT - particularly operations to the hip, lower abdomen, and leg. You may be given aspirin or heparin just before having an operation to help prevent a DVT. It is common practice to get you up and walking as soon as possible after an operation.
- When you travel on long plane journeys, train journeys, etc, you should have little walks up and down the aisle every now and then. Also, exercise your calf muscles every now and then whilst sitting in your seat.
In summary
- The main cause of DVT is immobility - especially during surgery.
- The most serious complication of DVT is a pulmonary embolus where part of the blood clot breaks off and travels to the lung.
- Persistent calf symptoms may occur after a DVT.
- With treatment, the risk of the above two complications is much reduced.
- Treatment includes anticoagulation, compression stockings, leg elevation, and keeping active.
- Prevention is important if you have an increased risk of DVT. For example, during long operations or when you travel on long journeys.
Secretary and Appointments: 0845 0451160
Vascular Hotline: 07855 455 855
Copyright Sweeney Chaloner Surgical Chambers Ltd 2006