Thousands of Australians suffer from DVT every year. The vast majority are successfully treated primarily with blood thinning medication with good clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, a small proportion of patients will suffer with very extensive clot formation that can involve the veins of the legs, pelvis, abdomen and chest. In the most severe cases, this can be life threatening with a massive clot that travels to the lung.
Massive clots that are confined to the legs, pelvis and abdomen can result in a blockage of the major veins draining the leg that can cause debilitating leg swelling, pain on walking (venous claudication), skin discolouration and even the development of ulcers and skin breaks. If the massive extensive clot is not cleared and remains, patients may have persistent blockage of these veins and now suffer from 'post thrombotic syndrome' or PTS. PTS symptoms include leg swelling, pain in the legs, skin pigmentation, venous claudication and ulcers.
Patients with recent acute extensive DVT (usually less than 3 weeks) in the leg and pelvis can be can be treated with minimally invasive surgery to remove the clot. This uses a ‘clot busting’ medication in combination with mechanical disruption and suction of the clot to remove the blockage and restore patency of the deep vein. This significantly shortens the recovery period and reduces the severity of their short term and long term symptoms.
At Yarra Vascular Surgeons, we have incorporated into our practice recent significant advances made in both how we investigate and treat these 'blocked veins'. We can now 'look' inside these veins using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and gain vital information about the content and calibre of these veins. We also have access to the latest in stents designed specifically for veins. With these advances and the skills that we have developed in treating these obstructed veins - we are now able to help many patients with PTS.
