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Thrombosis Program
Thrombosis
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a term that refers to two conditions: deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the term for blood clots that develop in a deep vein in the body (as opposed to veins close to the skin surface). The most common site of DVT is in the leg, but a DVT can also occur in the arm. There are two major types of veins in the legs: deep veins and superficial veins. The function of veins is to carry blood back to the heart. The deep veins are located deep in the leg or arm and are covered by muscle. They return approximately 85% of the blood in the legs back to the heart. The superficial veins are located close to the skin and return the remaining 15% of blood to the heart.
A blood clot (also called a thrombus) causes problems when it blocks, or partially blocks, a deep vein and prevents blood from getting through.
What is Pulmonary Embolism?
If a portion of the clot breaks away from the vein wall it is called an embolus. An embolus can travel through the vein to other parts of the body. When an embolus travels to the lungs this is called a Pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism can be life threatening if the embolus blocks the main artery to the lungs and prevents blood from getting through.
Impact of Venous Thromboembolism
Other known clinical complications associated with VTE include:
- death from pulmonary embolism
- post phlebitic syndrome (chronic leg swelling/pain and/or lower extremity skin ulcerations)
- pregnancy complications (miscarriage, preeclampsia)
- bleeding consequences of anticoagulation therapy (to prevent further events).
- chronic pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure
Other proposed complications that are currently being investigated:
- birth defects
- catheter thrombosis or vascular access loss in patients receiving renal dialysis.
- exercise limitations
- cancer risk
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