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Category: Deep Vein Thrombosis

What is Vascular Surgery?

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Vascular surgery is a surgical specialty that deals with diseases of the blood vessels. It is a relatively new specialty, having been founded in the early 1970s. The first vascular surgery residency program was started at the University of Minnesota in 1973.

Vascular surgeon operating.

The specialty of vascular surgery is divided into two main branches: open surgery and endovascular surgery.

Open surgery is the traditional form of surgery, where the surgeon makes a large incision in the patient’s body in order to access the blood vessels. Endovascular surgery is a newer form of surgery that uses tiny instruments and a camera to access the blood vessels through small incisions.

 

Vascular surgery is a highly specialized field, and there are only a few hundred surgeons in the United States who specialize in it. The majority of vascular surgeons are based in large metropolitan areas, and there are few rural areas that have vascular surgeons.

Vascular surgery is used to treat a variety of diseases and conditions, including:

Vascular surgery is a life-saving procedure in many cases. For example, an aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening condition that can lead to a ruptured aorta. If the aneurysm is detected early, it can be treated with surgery. If it is not detected until it is too late, the patient may die. Vascular surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can save lives. It is a highly specialized field, and patients should seek out a vascular surgeon who is experienced in treating the specific condition that they have.

Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

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Symptoms:

can occur without warning signs
Also felt as discomfort in the affected area including Swelling and pain the affected leg. Additionally, redness and warmth along the vein where the clot is found.

Causes


Coagulation of blood is an important process that helps to prevent excessive bleeding during injury. However, in the absence of Injury, when the blood is not flowing properly or if it pools in the veins the platelets in the blood that help with coagulation can stick together and cause it to clot.

a. Inactivity- During a long flight or drive
b. Damage to a vein
c. Cancer or other diseases that cause your blood to clot more easily
d. Medications
e. Hormones


Risk Factors

a. Age
b. Obesity
c. Pregnancy
d. Family History of DVT
e. Having a catheter placed in a vein
f. Deep vein injury
g. Smoking

Diagnosis


Your vascular surgeon will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history as well as performing a thorough physical examination.

a. Duplex ultrasound to check the flow of blood in the area of the perceived clot. A Venograph can also be done by injecting a contrast dye into the vein under x-ray to see where the dye is allowed to pass through. The X-ray will show a mapping of your veins and show the area where the contrast dye was unable to pass through. Although DVT’s can generally be diagnosed by duplex ultrasound, venography is another option Western Vascular Institute has available to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatments


Most often a Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT can be treated by a medication known as blood thinners or anticoagulants. These medications help prevent the blood from clotting and over time reduce the size and consistency of the clot.

Staying Healthy


Maintain good overall health including a healthy diet and staying physically active will help reduce the risk of a DVT. It is likewise important to maintain a healthy weight and make sure to follow up with your vascular surgeon to discuss the possibility of long-term blood thinner medications.

https://www.westernvascular.com/vein-center/deep-vein-thrombosis/

https://vascular.org/patients/vascular-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis