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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep below the skin. It's most common in the large veins of the legs.
At the UPMC Division of Vascular Surgery, we take a team approach to quickly and accurately diagnose your DVT and create a treatment plan that's right for you.
To request an appointment, contact the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute:
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that occurs in a vein within the body — most commonly in the large veins of the thigh or lower leg.
Newly formed blood clots can break loose and travel to the heart or lungs. When a clot blocks the blood flow to the lungs, it causes a pulmonary embolism that can be fatal.
A DVT that goes unnoticed or untreated may lead to:
Blood clots may form when something slows or changes the flow of blood in the veins.
A DVT may occur spontaneously or result from a prior condition or treatment, such as:
DVTs are most common in people over age 60. But, they can occur at any age.
Other factors that can increase your risk for DVT include:
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) mainly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh. It almost always occurs on one side of the body.
Symptoms of chronic or old DVT — called postphlebitic syndrome — include:
Prolonged swelling may cause:
A quick and accurate DVT diagnosis is vital during a scheduled office appointment or a visit to the emergency room or hospital for suspicion of a blood clot in the lungs.
Crucial first steps your doctor at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute will take include:
Ultrasound is the most common test to diagnose DVT. This noninvasive, painless scan uses ultrasound waves to create pictures of the blood flow through your veins.
Other diagnostic tests may include:
Vascular surgeons at UPMC's Heart and Vascular Institute have broad experience in advanced methods for treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
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The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute offers educational information and videos about deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other heart and vascular diseases and treatments.
Many people find these resources helpful in answering their questions about DVT and preparing them for their procedure or diagnostic test.
The links below will open a new browser window.
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