Post-Thrombotic Syndrome after Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Blood clot in the deep veins of the leg (Deep Vein Thrombosis “DVT”) is a serious condition which can result in severe leg swelling and also to pulmonary embolism in the lungs.  Urgent medical attention and treatment is necessary and most treated patients improve and the clot resolves.

However, many patients who have suffered a DVT continue to have leg problems even after treatment for the DVT is completed.  These symptoms can be persistent leg pain, leg swelling, skin discoloration, and sometimes chronic or recurrent skin ulcers in the calf or ankle.  This condition is called “Post Thrombotic Syndrome”(PTS) and can be quite disabling.

There are several causes for PTS but generally speaking it is due either to persistent blockage of veins from scarred-in clot or to vein valve damage from the clot causing blood flow reversal (“reflux”) or a combination of both problems.  For PTS caused by vein problems in the lower leg treatment is compression stockings, exercise, and leg elevation.  However many patients with PTS have a persistent blockage in the ILIAC VEINS which are in the pelvis and not often seen on regular ultrasound testing.

For patients who have PTS due to iliac vein blockage, there is a very effective treatment. Blockages in the iliac veins can usually be effectively treated by opening the veins with stent insertions. This procedure can typically be done in an office setting with immediate recovery.

If you would like more information on treatment for your vein problem, call us for a consultation at 201-265-5300.

About us: There are 20 million Americans with vein problems that can seriously affect the quality of their lives. And as we age, they just get worse. As one of the few New Jersey medical practices committed exclusively to vein care, Advanced Vascular Vein Care is uniquely capable of alleviating those problems, whether they are medical or cosmetic. All treatments are non-surgical, usually covered by insurance, and delivered in an office setting. And we do it as it should be done – with compassion, excellence, affordability, convenience, and the personal touch. Call 201-265-5300 or visit AdvancedVascular.com for a quick and easy consultation.