What is deep vein thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot forming in one of the deep veins, usually of the calf, thigh or pelvis. It develops when blood flow slows, when the vein wall is injured, or when blood is more prone to clotting than normal — after surgery, during a long illness or immobility, in pregnancy, with some cancers, and with inherited clotting disorders.
Two things make DVT urgent. Part of the clot can break away and lodge in the lung as a pulmonary embolism, which is life-threatening. And a clot left in place scars the vein and destroys its valves, producing the long-term leg swelling, pigmentation and ulceration known as post-thrombotic syndrome.
Symptoms to watch for
- Swelling of one calf, ankle or the whole leg, usually over hours to days
- Aching, cramping or tightness in the calf, often worse on standing or walking
- Warmth and redness or a bluish discolouration over the swollen area
- Tenderness along the inner calf or thigh
- Prominent surface veins that were not there before
- Breathlessness or sharp chest pain — a warning of pulmonary embolism
When to seek urgent care
Sudden breathlessness, chest pain worse on breathing in, coughing blood or fainting alongside a swollen leg is a medical emergency — go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
How it is diagnosed
Investigation is chosen to answer a specific question rather than as a blanket screen. For deep vein thrombosis that usually means:
- Clinical risk assessment (recent surgery, immobility, travel, pregnancy, hormone therapy, previous clots, family history)
- Venous duplex ultrasound to confirm the clot and locate its upper limit
- D-dimer blood testing where the clinical probability is low
- CT or MR venography for suspected pelvic or caval extension
- Thrombophilia and, when clinically indicated, malignancy screening in unprovoked cases
Treatment options at Siva Sakthi
Which of these applies to you depends on what the assessment shows. The options are discussed with you, including what each involves and what recovery looks like.
- AnticoagulationBlood-thinning treatment stops the clot extending and prevents embolism while the body's own system breaks it down. The agent and the duration are chosen according to the cause and the bleeding risk.
- Catheter-directed thrombolysisFor extensive, recent thigh or pelvic clot in selected patients, clot-dissolving drug is delivered through a catheter placed directly into the thrombus, which can preserve valve function.
- Mechanical thrombectomyDevices that aspirate or macerate clot may be used with or instead of thrombolysis in suitable cases.
- Venous stentingWhere an underlying iliac vein compression or narrowing is found, stenting it prevents the clot recurring at the same site.
- IVC filterA filter in the inferior vena cava is considered only when anticoagulation is contraindicated or has failed, and is retrieved once it is no longer needed.
- Compression and follow-upGraduated compression and surveillance reduce post-thrombotic swelling and detect recurrence early.
Common questions
The same day. Ultrasound is quick and painless, and starting anticoagulation early reduces both the risk of pulmonary embolism and long-term vein damage.
Typically at least three months. Whether it continues beyond that depends on whether the clot had a clear provoking cause, whether it has happened before, and your individual bleeding risk — it is a decision made with you at review.
Usually yes, once treatment is established and stable. Ask before booking, and expect advice on compression, hydration and moving about during the journey.
No. Heart, kidney or liver disease, lymphoedema, cellulitis, a ruptured Baker's cyst and chronic venous disease all cause swelling. Ultrasound is what distinguishes them reliably.
Book a consultation in Guntur
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is assessed and treated by Dr. Vijay Kumar Vishnumolakala, MS, MCh, at our Kothapeta clinic. Request an appointment or call +91 00000 00000.