Premier Vein & Body Blog

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What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT occurs when a clot forms in one of the deep veins, often in the leg. At Premier Vein and Body by Schwartz, Dr. Craig Schwartz recommends scheduling a vein screening so venous problems can be treated early. This prevents DVT from having a chance to develop and keeps your circulation healthy.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

When a clot forms in a deep vein of the leg, it can cause swelling, pain, and redness in the affected area. This condition is called deep vein thrombosis. It can also break away and travel to other parts of the body. If DVT causes a clot to travel to the lungs, it causes a pulmonary embolism. The clot disrupts blood flow and can be deadly.

What Causes Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Venous reflux, a condition that predisposes you to DVT, happens when the veins in the legs become unable to transport blood effectively. The one-way valves that prevent backflow in the veins become damaged and let blood start to pool inside the veins. The walls of the vein become damaged. Combined with sluggish blood flow, this creates ideal conditions for a clot to form.

How is Deep Vein Thrombosis Treated?

Once DVT has occurred, most people receive blood-thinning and clot-dissolving medications to break up the clot. Prevention is the best treatment for deep vein thrombosis. The underlying venous issues can exist for a long time before DVT happens, and treating them earlier can prevent the blood clot from occurring. Dr. Schwartz uses Venous Duplex Ultrasound to diagnose vein disease and develop a plan of treatment that restores healthy venous function.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is considered the gold standard for treating vein disease in most people. After inserting a thin laser fiber into the problem vein, Dr. Schwartz will use the laser to damage the vein walls and cause them to close. Blood then reroutes itself through healthy veins, restoring normal blood flow.

Consultations Available Now

To learn more, schedule your consultation with Dr. Schwartz by filling out the form on this page or by calling his practice at 913-451-8346. Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz serves patients throughout the Kansas City metro.

Am I at Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Many people may have risk factors for DVT and not realize it. Any prolonged immobility can put you at risk, as can medications and lifestyle factors.

A history of DVT or clotting disorders
Use of oral contraceptives or hormone therapy
Smoking
Injury or trauma
Genetics
Age greater than 60
Long plane or car trips (especially with other risk factors)
Post-surgical immobility

If you have any of these risk factors and any signs or symptoms of venous disease, contact Dr. Schwartz and his team for screening. Venous Duplex Ultrasound technology allows diagnosis and early treatment of vein problems.

Testimonials

*Individual Results May Vary

★★★★★ 5/5

Read from real patients about their experiences with Dr. Schwartz and his team at Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz.

It was a good experience. Taylor walked me through exactly what would happen and how things would feel along the process. That help put me at ease about the whole process.

The staff is very attentive, friendly and caring. Dr. Schwartz is the best doctor in the Kansas State area. He is professional and knows what he is doing. I am very pleased with the results and will continue to see him for all my vein and body needs.

Very pleased with services and procedures I will definitely recommend your office to my friends who need and want their vein problems solved.

Very professional service, explained treatments very thoroughly and felt like I mattered as a patient. I will definitely go back and I will recommend to my friends and family. I was treated with courtesy and respect.

Take the Next Step

If you are at risk of deep vein thrombosis, please call us at (913) 451-8346 or complete our online contact form, and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you. Premier Vein & Body is located in Kansas City, MO, and proudly serves Overland Park, Johnson County, and the entire Kansas City metro area.

** This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If anyone has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.