Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Treatment

Deep Vein Thrombosis is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the body’s major deep veins (typically in the legs or pelvis), leading to blockage of blood flow. The result is significant discomfort and risk of serious health complications, like pulmonary embolism (PE), which occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs. Risk factors include obesity, prolonged sitting, restricted mobility, pregnancy, and predisposition to clotting. DVT Therapy utilizes ultrasound and live X-ray guidance to remove the blood clot, typically in a single setting.

Left untreated, a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can break off and travel in the circulation, getting trapped in the lung, where it blocks the oxygen supply, causing heart failure. This is known as a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal. With early treatment, people with DVT can reduce their chances of developing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism

TREATMENT

Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis
This procedure, performed in a hospital’s interventional radiology suite, is designed to rapidly break up the clot, restore blood flow within the vein, and potentially preserve valve function to minimize the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome. Using imaging guidance, a catheter is inserted behind the knee to the clot where a “clot busting” drug is infused directly into the thrombus (clot).

Thrombectomy - AngioJet Mechanical
Thrombectomy is used to target the clot directly and remove it from the body. Using fluoroscopy “real-time” guidance, a small catheter is inserted directly into the clot and a high-speed water jet is used to create a vacuum effect and pull the clot into the catheter where it is broken into tiny pieces. The fragments are then propelled through the catheter and out of the body. This quickly restores blood flow, resolves symptoms, and removes the clot from the body.