Pre-op Surgical Education:
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
What is deep vein thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis (also called DVT) is a blood clot in a vein deep inside your body. These clots usually occur in your leg veins. While DVT is a fairly common condition, it is also a dangerous one. If the blood clot breaks away and travels through your bloodstream, it could block a blood vessel in your lungs. This blockage (called a pulmonary embolism) can be fatal.
Pulmonary Embolism?
Also called: Blood clots in the lung
A pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage in a lung artery. The cause is usually a blood clot in the leg called a deep vein thrombosis that breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lung. Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition that can cause
Permanent damage to the affected lung
Low oxygen levels in your blood
Damage to other organs in your body from not getting enough oxygen
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism are rare but possible complication that all surgical patients need to understand the risk factors and possible signs and symptoms.
Risk Factors:
Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
Pregnancy or recent childbirth in the past 6 weeks
Overweight/obesity
Inactivity
Prolong bed rest
Cancer patients
Recent injury, surgery or fracture
Family or patient history of DVT/PE
Patient history of myocardial infarction or stroke
Older than age 40.
Autoimmune disorders such as lupus
Genetic coagulation disorders
Varicose veins
Heart or respiratory failure
Inflammatory bowel disease
smoking
Signs and symptoms of DVT:
Pain and swelling of lower extremity
Skin warmth or redness
Chest pain
Coughing up blood
Fainting or feeling light-headed
Feelings of anxiety or restlessness
Rapid pulse
Shortness of breath
Sweating
If you save any of the above symptoms call your doctor immediately.
How can I prevent DVT?
Frequently exercise your lower leg muscles if you'll be inactive for a long period of time. Stretch your legs and lightly massage your muscles.
Get out of bed and move around as soon as you can after having surgery or being ill.