Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious disease in which there is blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs. If left untreated, DVT will lead to potentially life-threatening complications, such as a pulmonary embolism, when the blood clot dislodges and becomes trapped in the lungs. Anticoagulant therapy and compression stockings have been used to treat DVT traditionally. But endovascular treatments for DVT are gaining popularity because they are minimally invasive and have successful results. The following article will discuss the different endovascular treatment methods for DVT, how they work, and what a patient can expect.
Endovascular therapy uses catheter-based methods to treat DVT from inside the blood vessels. The procedures are usually done with minimal incision or puncture and thus are less invasive compared to surgery. Endovascular therapies seek to break or dissolve the clot, restore blood flow, and prevent DVT's long-term complications, including post-thrombotic syndrome.
Of the most commonly used endovascular techniques for treatment of DVT, catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) ranks among the highest. During the procedure, the catheter is inserted through an extremely small cut in the skin and guided along to the clot. A drug that dissolves a clot, called a thrombolytic agent, is then injected directly into the clot to form a disruption within the clot. The risk of post-thrombotic syndrome can be greatly decreased by CDT, which is in many cases applied to patients with extensive or life-threatening clots.
Mechanical thrombectomy is another endovascular procedure used to treat DVT. This approach involves using a catheter equipped with a mechanical device, such as a rotating or suction-based tool, to physically remove the clot from the vein. This procedure is particularly useful for patients with large, stubborn clots that do not respond to thrombolysis alone.
In some cases, DVT can lead to vein narrowing or damage. To address this, a stent may be placed in the affected vein to help maintain proper blood flow. Stents are often used in combination with other endovascular treatments like CDT or mechanical thrombectomy, providing long-term relief and reducing the chances of recurrent DVT.
The primary advantage of endovascular treatment in DVT is that it is minimally invasive. This means a quicker recovery time, less pain, and fewer complications compared to traditional open surgery. Additionally, endovascular procedures often allow for faster resolution of clots and can prevent long-term damage to the veins.
Endovascular treatment for DVT is typically performed under local anaesthesia or sedation. The procedure is minimally invasive, and most patients can return home the same day or the following day. Recovery times are generally short, and many patients experience a significant reduction in symptoms. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, such as bleeding or infection, which will be discussed with the patient beforehand.
Endovascular approaches for treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT) offer an effective, minimally invasive alternative to traditional treatments. With options like catheter-directed thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, and stent placement, patients can benefit from quicker recovery times and reduced complications. For those seeking endovascular treatments in Sydney, NSW, there are specialised centres offering advanced care to manage and treat DVT effectively. As the field of endovascular medicine continues to evolve, these treatments provide new hope for individuals affected by DVT and related complications.
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