Deep Vein Thrombosis

A blood clot occurs when the circulation of blood is blocked. Most blood clots are embedded in one of the major deep veins of the leg, resulting in sudden acute pain, swelling, and warmth in the affected leg. Medically known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), more than 350,000 people are affected in the United States each year. Blood clots are incredibly dangerous because a clot blocks blood circulation through the veins, which carry blood from the lower body back to the heart. Understanding the symptoms and severity of DVT is crucial to saving your life.

Symptoms and signs of DVT occur in the leg with a blood clot and include:

• Pain, usually acute and severe, often coming on very suddenly
• Swelling of the leg
• Redness in the area surrounding the blood clot
• The leg becoming warm to the touch
• Leg cramps, especially in the calf area, occur most often at night
• Leg pain that worsens when rotating or bending the ankle

Any of these symptoms should be brought to your doctor’s attention immediately because they are signs that a life-threatening medical issue is eminent.

Diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis is made using imaging tests such as Doppler ultrasound, CT scan, venography, and impedance plethysmography. If a blood clot is found, individualized treatment will be started right away. Dr. Benvenisty utilizes minimally invasive techniques such as pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombosis (PCDT), allowing for treatment of DVT to be performed on an outpatient basis. PCDT uses a catheter-mounted device to inject a clot-busting drug (TPA) directly into the blood clot through a small incision in the back of the knee. The unique design of the device allows it to break up the clot and remove the clot fragments. Given the negative impact of DVT, this image-guided clot removal treatment is highly prioritized by Dr. Benvenisty because it provides enormous benefits to patients with vascular leg conditions.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Benvenisty, contact our office today.