-
Epic Heart &
Vascular Care
- Primary Care Mulitspeciality Practice
- Epic Heart & Vascular Care
- Primary Care Mulitspeciality Practice
Vein disorders, especially Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), can lead to serious health complications like leg swelling, pain, and even life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Fortunately, tools like venous Doppler ultrasound, venogram, and treatments like clot aspiration help detect and manage these conditions early and effectively.
DVT is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein—usually in the legs. If untreated, part of the clot can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a medical emergency.
Prolonged immobility (surgery, travel), cancer, pregnancy, and inherited clotting disorders are common risk factors.
Venous Doppler Ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to visualize blood flow in your veins. It’s the first and most common test used to diagnose DVT.
A technician places a handheld device (transducer) on your leg. It sends sound waves that bounce off moving blood, allowing the provider to see whether blood flow is blocked or slowed—often a sign of a clot.
Venous Doppler allows early detection of clots before they lead to complications. It guides treatment decisions such as starting anticoagulation or planning clot removal.
A venogram is a special X-ray test that uses contrast dye injected into a vein to create detailed images of the veins. It’s often used when Doppler ultrasound results are unclear, or more detailed vein mapping is needed before a procedure.
A small catheter is inserted, usually near the foot or groin. Iodine-based dye is injected while X-rays are taken in real-time.
A venogram helps precisely locate blood clots or vein blockages. It can guide clot aspiration, stenting, or venous ablation procedures when needed. It’s also valuable for planning surgery or identifying narrowed veins that may need intervention.
Clot aspiration, also known as mechanical thrombectomy, is a minimally invasive procedure to physically remove a blood clot from a vein.
A catheter is guided into the vein under X-ray or ultrasound guidance. Special suction or mechanical devices then pull or break up the clot. Sometimes clot-dissolving medication (thrombolytics) is delivered through the catheter at the same time.
Clot aspiration restores blood flow quickly, relieving pain, reducing swelling, and preventing long-term complications like post-thrombotic syndrome, which can cause chronic leg pain and skin changes.
Deep vein thrombosis and other vein disorders can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early. Non-invasive tests like venous Doppler ultrasound and venogram are essential for accurate diagnosis. For more serious cases, clot aspiration offers a targeted treatment option that can help preserve limb function and prevent complications.
If you have symptoms like leg swelling, unexplained pain, or a history of blood clots, talk to a vein specialist about the appropriate tests and whether you may benefit from one of these procedures.
Our clinic provides comprehensive cardiac care, from acute treatment to ongoing follow-up, for patients throughout the greater Hudson Valley. Schedule an appointment with our team through our convenient online scheduling form or by calling 877-EPIC-DOC (877-3742-362).
Remember: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your cardiologist or healthcare provider for personalized diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies for heart failure.
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