| Deep venous thrombosis "DVT" is a condition where a blood clot forms inside the deep veins of the legs and arms. The incidence of spontaneous DVT is estimated to be 5 in 10,000. In hospitalised patients and in absence of prophylactic measures, the incidence can be as high as 60% for certain orthopaedic conditions. DVT occurs when the blood flow through the deep leg veins becomes very sluggish, when the blood clotting tendency is increased or when the vein lining is damaged. Deep venous thrombosis can pass unnoticed with little or no symptoms or can lead to serious and potentially lethal complications if part of the clot detaches and lodges in the lungs.
Symptomatic DVT patients will usually present with recent onset calf swelling and possibly tenderness. The swelling may affect only the leg or the leg and thigh depending on the extent of the thrombosis. Sudden unexplained shortness of breath with or without chest pain can be the first indication of deep venous thrombosis which has led to pulmonary embolisation.
Almost every patient admitted to St Richard's Hospital will receive some form of deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. Patients who are not suffering from peripheral arterial disease will receive special compression stockings which they should wear constantly. In addition, a small injection of an anticoagulant will be given daily. Patients who are suffering from a bleeding disorder or disease will not receive this injection. Those undergoing certain operations will have special pneumatic compression pads applied to their legs during surgery. This regular calf compression enhances the circulation in the deep veins. |
DVT usually starts when a blood clot forms under a valve leaflet.
If the conditions remain favourable for DVT, the blood clot spreads leading to partial or complete occlusion of the affected vein.
Extensive deep venous thrombosis leading to the rare condition of "venous gangrene". The tissue loss here is usually superficial and recoverable. |
