Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Each year DVT occurs in around 60,000 people in the UK. While the condition can develop in anyone, it is more likely to occur in people who are less mobile, physically inactive for long periods, or those with cardiac conditions.

Left untreated, DVT can lead to a pulmonary embolism, a serious condition where a blood clot travels through the bloodstream to your lungs and causes a blockage. This can be life-threatening and requires urgent treatment.

Call emergency services on 999 or go straight to A&E if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Breathlessness
• Pain or discomfort in your chest
• Light-headedness, dizziness and fainting
• A rapid pulse and/or breathing
• Coughing up blood

There are things you can do to lower your risk of developing DVT symptoms:

• Avoid sitting or lying still for long periods of time or crossing your legs while sitting
• Maintain a healthy weight and stay active
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Follow the advice of your consultant – including taking medications and wearing compression stockings.

Your consultant will discuss the most relevant strategies for you, which may also include taking precautions when travelling and going to hospital for treatment

CT angiography (CTA) is a medical imaging test that uses computed tomography (CT) technology to produce high-resolution scans of your blood vessels in great detail. Contrast dye is usually injected into a vein to make blood vessels stand out more clearly, and the resulting images help us to assess conditions like blockages, aneurysms, or other vascular issues.

A venogram is an X-ray procedure, in which we’ll use a special dye to help us see your veins more clearly. The additional detail helps us in the diagnosis of various conditions, including DVT.

You’ll have access to a wide range of treatment options for DVT at HCA UK. These include:

Medication

Blood-thinning medications, known as anticoagulants, help prevent existing clots from growing and reduce the risk of new ones forming. In severe cases, we can use thrombolytic (clot-busting) drugs in order to dissolve dangerous clots quickly. It does, however, carry a risk of bleeding, and is typically used only in high-risk situations.

Compression stockings

These specially designed stockings improve circulation in the legs by applying gentle pressure, helping to reduce swelling and discomfort while reducing the risk of further clot formation. They are often recommended for long-term management of DVT, though you shouldn’t wear them overnight.

Thrombolysis

Thrombolysis is a targeted, minimally invasive treatment in which clot-dissolving drugs are delivered directly to the clot through a catheter. This approach is used for larger, more serious clots that may cause significant complications, such as a pulmonary embolism, and in cases where traditional clot-busting medications aren’t suitable.

Mechanical thrombectomy

This procedure uses a catheter to physically break up and remove the clot from the affected vein. Often used alongside thrombolysis, this procedure can achieve good outcomes, quickly restoring blood flow and helping to prevent long-term complications.

Surgical thrombectomy

In rare cases, surgery might be necessary to remove a large clot if other methods haven’t been effective. During this procedure, your surgeon will make an incision to access the clot and remove it directly.

Vena cava filter placement

If you’re at high risk of blood clots but can’t take blood thinners, we can insert a small filter into a large vein (vena cava) in your abdomen. This is usually employed as a temporary measure to trap blood clots and stop them from travelling to your lungs.

If left untreated, potential complications include:

Pulmonary embolism: A life-threatening condition which occurs when a blood clot in your leg or elsewhere breaks loose and travels to your lungs. Symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain and rapid breathing. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms above. 

Post-thrombotic syndrome: Damage to your veins from a blood clot can reduce blood flow to the area, causing pain, swelling and skin colour changes.

If you're recommended to take deep vein thrombosis medication to thin your blood, it's possible to experience excess bleeding as a side effect. Your consultant will assess this risk and advise on how to manage it, which may include having regular blood tests while taking the medication.