Deep vein thrombosis is a dangerous condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs, causing swelling and pain. If untreated, these clots can travel to the lungs and cause life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Early detection and appropriate treatment are critical to prevent complications and save lives.
Blood clots in the veins can pose serious health risks, especially when they form deep inside the body and go unnoticed. While some clots may cause only mild symptoms, others can lead to permanent vein damage, non-healing ulcers or life-threatening events like pulmonary embolism.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) refers to a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the body, most commonly in the legs or pelvis. These veins are responsible for carrying “used” blood back to the heart. When a clot blocks a deep vein, the blood cannot return properly, leading to pain, swelling and heaviness in the limb.
If untreated, these clots may break free and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism — a medical emergency.
DVT usually occurs when three factors (known as Virchow’s Triad) come into play:
These may be triggered by:
DVT can be silent, but common signs to watch for include:
These symptoms can mimic other conditions, so timely medical evaluation is essential.
Pulmonary embolism occurs when a piece of the clot from a DVT breaks off and travels to the lungs, blocking the blood supply.
It is a life-threatening emergency.
A large PE can cause sudden collapse or death if not treated immediately.
While DVT involves deep veins, superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) affects veins close to the skin — usually the visible, tender varicose veins.
SVT causes pain, redness, and swelling along a superficial vein. Though less dangerous than DVT, it may extend into the deep system, especially at junctions, and therefore should not be ignored.
| Feature | SVT | DVT |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Just under the skin | Deep within the limb |
| Risk of PE | Low, but possible | High |
| Symptoms | Redness, cord-like vein | Swelling, deep pain |
| Treatment | Anti-inflammatory, sometimes anticoagulants | Anticoagulants, imaging, intervention |
After a DVT, the valves in the veins may be damaged, leading to chronic leakage and backward flow of blood (venous reflux). This results in:
This long-term complication emphasizes why early diagnosis and proper management of DVT are crucial.
Treatment depends on the location, severity, duration, and presence of complications. The main goals are to:
These are office-based procedures done under local anesthesia or sedation. The goal is to seal the faulty veins from inside, so blood flows through healthier veins.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Endovenous Glue Therapy
Microwave Ablation
Sclerotherapy
You should consult a vascular specialist if you:
Early intervention can prevent long-term complications and significantly improve outcomes.
Many people ignore signs of leg pain or swelling until the condition becomes serious. DVT and PE are both preventable and treatable — when addressed early. As vascular specialists, we aim to detect venous disease early, treat appropriately, and provide long-term care to prevent recurrence and preserve vein health. If you’re at risk, or experiencing symptoms, don’t delay. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward healthy veins and a safer future.
