Blood clots in deep veins can be big trouble

TexomaCare cardiologist Maziar Mahjoobi, DO, FACC, FSCAI, explains deep vein thrombosis.

Learn More about DVT

Health News

Fall 2023

Blood clots and deep vein services, Texoma Medical Center, Denison, Texas.

Learn about deep vein thrombosis: risk factors, symptoms and treatment options

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein of the body, typically in the leg. In the most serious cases, a large part of the blood clot breaks off, travels to the lungs and blocks one of the pulmonary arteries. Known as pulmonary embolism (PE), the blockage prevents blood from reaching the lungs and can lead to death. According to the National Institutes of Health, DVT occurs in about one in 1,000 Americans every year, and between 1 and 5 percent of those affected by DVT die from complications. Although it is most common in adults over age 40, DVT can occur in any age group. Even when it’s non-life-threatening, DVT can take a toll on a person’s quality of life. “Clots in the leg can destroy the valves of the veins,” says TexomaCare interventional cardiologist Maziar Mahjoobi, DO, FACC, FSCAI. “This causes backflow and varicosity, which can lead to swelling and pain in the lower extremities. While not as serious as PE, it can cause major discomfort and affect quality of life.”

Risk Factors and Symptoms

There is a higher risk of DVT for those with a sedentary lifestyle, recent surgery or trauma, coagulation abnormalities, limb trauma, childbirth within the last six months, history of birth control or oral contraceptive use, hormone therapy, history of miscarriage, obesity, tobacco use, family history of DVT or a previous or current cancer diagnosis. “Preventative options include being more active, not smoking and knowing the risk factors,” Dr. Mahjoobi says. “To reduce risk of a blood clot when traveling on a long plane or car ride, allow for frequent opportunities to get up and move around." Those who suffer from DVT may experience a combination of symptoms, including leg pain or tenderness, swelling of the leg, warm skin, visible surface veins, skin discoloration or redness and leg fatigue. “If you experience any of these symptoms, you should visit a provider that can perform an ultrasound of the legs, be it a primary care physician, urgent care or emergency room,” Dr. Mahjoobi says.

DVT Treatment at TMC

Texoma Medical Center offers three DVT treatment methods. Medication management involves a clot-busting drug known as tPA. Administered through a catheter, tPA is dripped on the clot to dissolve it. “Because these drugs are very powerful, they can cause bleeding in other parts of the body,” Dr. Mahjoobi explains. “For that reason, we only use them in the ICU, where patients can be closely monitored for symptoms of bleeding.”

Risk Factors and Symptoms

“We choose a treatment method based on the patient’s condition and the physician’s familiarity with each one,” Dr. Mahjoobi says. “Some methods are considered better than others, but it’s important to have options because not every case of DVT calls for the same solution. Fortunately, TMC has everything we need to make the best possible choice for our patients.”

DVT Treatment at Texoma Medical Center, Denison, Texas.

Cardiovascular services at TMC: texomamedicalcenter.net/heart

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Information in Health News comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Models may be used in photos or illustrations. Any opinions expressed by an author whose article appears in this publication are solely the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Texoma Medical Center. Physicians mentioned in this publication are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Texoma Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. ©2023. All rights reserved.

5016 South US Highway 75, Denison, TX, 75020

903-416-4000

The Clotriever System®, by Inari®, is a basket-like device placed above a newly formed clot via a catheter to trap and extract it from the vein. According to Dr. Mahjoobi, this minimally invasive procedure can completely remove a clot in a single one-hour session. “In my opinion, it’s the most precise option we have and also the one we’re most experienced using,” he says. The last option is suctioning the clot out with a surgical vacuum device. While medication management requires a day of bleeding monitoring, the Clotriever and vacuum methods typically allow patients to go home the same day as the procedure.

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5016 South US Highway 75, Denison, TX, 75020

903-416-4000

Amber Lester Director of Marketing

Jennifer Reed Media & Advertising Coordinator

Health News

Fall 2023

Learn more about cardiovascular services at Texoma Medical Center.

Sean T. Dardeau, FACHE Chief Executive Officer, Texoma Medical Center

Learn more about cardiovascular services at Texoma Medical Center.

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