Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment

Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot that can hinder blood flow and can cause swelling or pain in your limbs. You need medical treatment immediately. Emory Heart & Vascular can help.

It is important to stop the blood clot from getting bigger or moving to your lungs. If it travels to the lungs, this is a pulmonary embolism. It can be life-threatening.

There are several treatment options:

• Compression socks: Prevent blood from pooling in your veins
• Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter: A surgeon inserts this in your heart to catch a large clot before it reaches your lungs
• Medications: Blood thinners can reduce clotting and thrombolytics break up blood clots
• Medical procedures: Our vascular surgeons may use special devices to remove the blood clots or dissolve them.

Also, lifestyle changes can help prevent DVT. These include:

• Be physically active
• Eat a nutritious, low-sodium diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking

It can take up to one year for DVT to break apart. Follow your doctor’s instructions to reduce the risk of complications or getting another DVT.

Early treatment is critical. Talk with your doctor immediately if you think you may have DVT.