What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)? The Importance of Surgery
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious disease in which a deep blood clot forms within a deep vein, most commonly in the legs. Surgery is a critical treatment method for severe cases of Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) where anticoagulant medicines prove to be ineffective. Surgery provides immediate relief from painful symptoms and reduces the risk of life-threatening scenarios. The primary importance of surgery is to directly deal with the clot formation, especially the large ones. Some of the key goals for Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treatment are to prevent pulmonary embolism, that is, if a large clot breaks free and can travel to the lungs, creating a life-threatening situation. To prevent post-thrombotic syndrome, especially in cases with long-term pain and swelling of the vein valves caused by the clot, surgical removal of the clot in those cases helps preserve its functions. Also, Surgery provides immediate restoration of blood flow in serious cases of Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), thus preventing long-term damage to tissues and organs.
Types of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Surgery
There are five types of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) surgical techniques, namely
- Surgical Thrombectomy (Open Venous Thrombectomy) is a major deep vein thrombosis (DVT) surgery with general/regional anesthesia. The duration of the procedure is 1-2 hours, and recovery is 2-4 weeks.
- Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis (CDT) is a minimally invasive procedure with local and sedition anesthesia. The duration of the procedure is 1-3 hours (+ infusion of 12-48 hours), and recovery is possible within a week.
- Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure with local and sedition anesthesia. The duration of the procedure is 1-2 hours, and recovery is possible in less than a week.
- Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter Placement is a minimally invasive procedure with local and sedition anesthesia. The duration of the procedure is 30-60 minutes, and recovery is possible on the same day.
- Venous Angioplasty With Stent Placement is a minimally invasive procedure with local and sedition anesthesia. The duration of the procedure is 1-2 hours, and recovery is possible in 1-2 days.
| Procedure Name | Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment |
|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Minimally invasive procedure |
| Type of Anesthesia | General or regional anesthesia |
| Procedure Duration | 1-3 Hours |
| Recovery Duration | 2-4 weeks |
Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment: Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
The main aim of surgical techniques used for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treatment is to remove or dissolve the clot quickly and re-establish healthy blood circulation. The surgery treatment process can be understood in three phases: pre-surgery preparation, the surgical procedure, and post-surgery care.
Pre-Surgery (Pre-Operative) Care
The objective of this phase is to prepare the patient and reduce the risk of overall complications. Key procedures involve medical examination, blood tests, management of medicines, risk evaluation, preparation of the patient, and consent and counselling.
Medical examination includes a complete history checkup, followed by a physical evaluation. duplex ultrasound, computed tomography for the location of the clot, and to evaluate the health of the vein. Blood tests are done to check the clotting profile, followed by kidney and liver functions.
Management of medication involves adjusting the doses of anticoagulants, such as heparin and warfarin, as guided by a vascular surgeon or phlebologist. Stopping or changing anticoagulants should only be done under the guidance of specialists. Risk assessment involves allergies to anesthesia or contrast dye/ risk of excessive bleeding.
Before surgery, the patient is usually asked not to eat anything for 6-8 hours, followed by the use of compression stockings or pneumatic devices to stop the formation of new clots. This is followed by a specialist explaining to the patients about the procedure, risks, and expectations for the recovery phase.
During Surgery (Intra-operative phase)
The clear objective of this phase is to remove the clot and reinstate the blood flow. Operating room details such as type of anesthesia, monitoring of vitals like continuous heart rate, oxygen, and blood pressure, followed by clarifying the duration of the procedure, and making sure sterility is maintained in the operating theatre to prevent the risk of infection.
Open venous thrombectomy involves a cut in the vein that is affected, and a balloon catheter or similar device is used to pull out the thrombus (blood clot).
Catheter-directed thrombolysis is done by endovascular catheterization, where a catheter is put into the clot and thrombolytic medicine is infused by ultrasound or mechanical agitation.
Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy involves the introduction of a mechanical device through a catheter into the blood clot and then breaking the clot into pieces or sucking it out. Inferior vena cava filter placement uses endovascular insertion of a metallic filter into the inferior vena cava. Venous angioplasty with stent placement is a balloon angioplasty whereby the narrow vein is widened, followed by placement of a self-expanding stent to keep the vein open.
Post-surgery (Post-operative care)
Immediate recovery is the primary focus, with the patient kept under constant supervision until they are completely awake and stable. Vitals and the site of incision are to be observed for bleeding or swelling.
Management of medication involves adjusting the doses of anticoagulants, such as heparin and warfarin, as guided by a vascular surgeon or phlebologist, to prevent the formation of new clots. pain medications and antibiotics to be given if the patient needs it.
Mobility and support are achieved by gently moving legs to improve circulation, and the use of compression stockings or pneumatic devices to stop the formation of new clots. Monitoring and follow-up by repeating the imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and venogram, to keep the vein open. Followed by regular visits to the concerned specialist.
The patient should continue to maintain hydration and regular walking and avoid prolonged sitting or standing. No smoking, weight control, and managing chronic issues such as diabetes and hypertension are absolutely vital.
Benefits of Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment at Yashoda Hospitals
- Rapid removal of the clot
- Prevention of pulmonary embolism
- Preservation of vein function
- Immediate symptom relief
- Reduced risk of post-thrombotic syndrome
- Effective in severe or extensive deep vein thrombosis
- An effective treatment option if a patient is not allowed to take the medication.
- Better long-term results
- Immediate restoration of blood circulation in the limb
- Reduced hospital stay
- Reduced risk of clot propagation to other veins
- Improved quality of life.





















Appointment
WhatsApp
Call
More