Deep Vein Diseases in Prosper, TX

Deep vein disease, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is caused when the blood does not move correctly through your vein. This can cause a blood clot in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis. If left untreated, this can cause serious health conditions. Men and women can develop DVT, particularly if they are not physically active, overweight, spend a lot of time sitting, have a blood-clotting disorder or vascular stenosis, are more prone to blood clots, or have experienced a traumatic injury at some point in their life. It's important to note that if you've had a blood clot before, you are much more likely to experience one again. At Vitality Vein Care, our team of phlebologists can help diagnose and treat DVT in a timely manner so you can get back to enjoying the little things in life. For more information, contact Drs. Aaron Roberts, Daniel Rizzo, or Bradley Hart at our Prosper, TX office.

Deep vein disease is caused when the blood moves too slowly through an individual's body, causing the blood cells to clump and clot rather than move upward toward the heart. Most often, DVT develops in the veins that drain the left leg and kidney. DVT can come from long, extended periods of time being sedentary, a family history of clotting, obesity, and damage from acute trauma around the vein such as surgery or foreign object insertion (like a catheter). Early diagnosis and treatment are key in this disease, and if left untreated, it could cause a pulmonary embolism.

If you suspect you may have developed DVT, catching it early with our Prosper, TX office's help will be key to treating this disease. Keep an eye out for any symptoms of DVT, especially if you are at higher risk for developing vein issues. Common symptoms of this disease can include:

• Swollen vein(s)
• Discoloration where the clot has developed (typically red or blue skin)
• Warmth at the clot area
• Pain when walking, standing, or touching the area

Deep vein diseases, or DVT, can plague some individuals more than others. In general, Prosper, TX individuals who are obese or have hypertension will be at greater risk for developing DVT later on in life. In addition, patients with diabetes or clotting disorders can predict higher risk of DVT. If you are at-risk, or have already been diagnosed, Vitality Vein Care is here to help provide you with the best possible care.

In some mild cases, blood thinners and compression stockings may be enough to treat deep vein disease. In many cases, however, we may suggest an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter. This ultrasound-guided technology allows us to access the vein and trap and remove the blood clot using an IVC, a cone-shaped filter. This is a minimally invasive procedure that can take between 3 – 4 hours to perform, but it provides a high rate of success.

If you have an IVC filter installed, you will likely be allowed to return home the same day as the procedure, but you will need someone to drive you. Some pain may be expected after this treatment, and bruising is likely. Depending on your condition, you may only have a day of downtime. Most patients can resume normal activities after this time. The team at Vitality Vein Care will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, and you will be asked to make follow-up appointments. Our practitioners will oversee and document the progress of your DVT and determine future steps until the threat of a severe blood clot has passed.

How many people are affected by deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

As many as 900,000 people in the U.S. may be affected each year by DVT. It is estimated that 60,000 — 100,000 Americans die of DVT/PE.

Can deep vein thrombosis (DVT) go away on its own?

DVT most commonly occurs in the lower legs and can often go unnoticed. Sometimes it may dissolve on its own; however, DVT also can cause pain and swelling, which may require treatment to avoid serious health conditions like a pulmonary embolism.

What can happen if DVT goes untreated?

Without treatment, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may lead to a pulmonary embolism which is when a blood clot breaks away and travels into the lungs. This is a health emergency and, in some cases, may be fatal. Pulmonary embolisms restrict the blood flow to the heart causing strain and an enlargement of the heart.

What are the signs of a DVT emergency?

If you are experiencing one or a combination of these symptoms, you should immediately seek medical assistance:

• Sharp pain or tightness in the chest
• Coughing up blood
• Pain in your jaw, arm, back, or shoulder
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• Extreme lightheadedness
• Painful breathing
• Rapid heartbeat

At Vitality Vein Care, Drs. Bradley Hart, Daniel Rizzo, and Aaron Roberts can diagnose and treat vein-related health concerns, such as deep vein disease (or deep vein thrombosis). This condition could cause major complications if left untreated, which is why we suggest seeking out the help of a vein specialist as soon as possible. To schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, contact our Prosper, TX office today.