Blood clot occurring in deep veins
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the body – usually in the leg. While deep vein thrombosis is a fairly common condition, it is also very dangerous. If the clot breaks away and travels through your bloodstream, it could end up in the lungs as a pulmonary embolism – a potentially fatal condition.
Deep vein thrombosis is often the result of blood-clotting abnormalities, periods of inactivity, stenosed veins and trauma or injury. Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include pain, swelling and discoloration around the area of the clot.
Deep vein thrombosis can often be treated in the hospital with a minimally invasive, catheter-directed prodedure that infuses “clot disolving” medication into the veins. Treatment may also involve the use of anticoagulants and prescription grade compression stockings.