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Deep Vein Thrombosis Specialist

Carolinas Vein & Vascular Solutions Martin Carignan, MD Our Services Deep Vein Thrombosis

Carolinas Vein & Vascular Solutions

Martin Carignan, MD

Vascular and Endovascular Surgery & General Surgery located in Huntersville, NC & Mooresville, NC

The symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may appear so gradually you barely notice. Or you could suddenly experience severe leg pain and tenderness. No matter how your symptoms appear, as soon as you suspect a problem, see Martin Carignan, MD, at Carolinas Vein & Vascular Solutions. Dr. Carignan immediately determines if you have a blood clot and begins treatment so you’re not at risk of developing life-threatening complications. If you have questions about leg symptoms or DVT, call the office in Huntersville, North Carolina, or schedule an appointment online right away.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Q & A

What causes deep vein thrombosis?

Thrombosis is a generic word for a blood clot. When you have deep vein thrombosis or DVT, the clot develops inside veins located deep in the center of your leg.

Blot clots occur under three circumstances: When your blood flow slows down, with damage to the vein, or from medications that make your blood more likely to clot.

The top risk factors for developing DVT include:

  • Prolonged inactivity (sitting for a long time or bedrest)
  • Vein damage due to an injury
  • Blood clotting disorder
  • Hormone-containing medications
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Pregnancy
  • Hip or leg surgery
  • Chronic inflammatory disease
  • Family history of blood clots

You’re also more likely to develop DVT if you have inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of blood clots.

What symptoms develop if I have deep vein thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis causes leg pain and swelling. You may also develop redness, warmth, and tenderness along the vein.

If the condition goes untreated and the clot restricts blood flow, DVT may lead to a condition called chronic venous insufficiency. Chronic venous insufficiency can cause varicose veins and problems in your lower leg, such as skin rashes, discolored skin, and non-healing wounds.

Why is deep vein thrombosis a life-threatening condition?

The blood clot can break away from the vein at any time. When that happens, it travels through your bloodstream and gets into your lungs. That is called a pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism is life-threatening because the clot can stop blood from flowing through your lungs. As a result, organs like your brain and heart can’t get the oxygenated blood they need to survive.

The symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include chest pain, shortness of breath, and a cough that often produces blood. At the first sign of an embolism, don’t wait to get emergency medical care.

How is deep vein thrombosis treated?

Carolinas Vein & Vascular Solutions diagnoses DVT using blood tests and ultrasound imaging. Then your provider treats the clot with:

Blood thinners

Blood thinners stop the existing clot from getting larger and prevent future clots.

Thrombolytics

These medications dissolve the existing blood clot. Your provider may administer the medication intravenously or through a catheter inside the vein.

Inferior vena cava filter

Your provider may implant a small filter into the inferior vena cava, a large vein in your lower abdomen. Putting a filter here catches loose pieces of blood clots and stops them from reaching your lungs.

If you need treatment for leg pain or deep vein thrombosis, call Carolinas Vein & Vascular Solutions, or schedule an appointment online today.

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