Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is when a blood clot forms in a deep vein in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but it can also occur in the arm.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) – If a DVT clot breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, this can cause a blockage called pulmonary embolism (PE) which can lead to cardiopulmonary arrest.

RISK FACTORS FOR A DVT

• Most DVTs occur during or soon after a hospital stay or surgery

• Confinement in a nursing home

• Injury to a vein, often caused by:
  • Fractures
  • Severe muscle injury
  • Major surgery (particularly involving the abdomen, pelvis, hip, or legs)

• Slow blood flow, often caused by:
  • Confinement to bed (e.g., due to a medical condition or after surgery)
  • Limited movement (e.g., a cast on a leg to help heal an injured bone)
  • Sitting for a long time, especially with crossed legs
  • Paralysis

• Increased estrogen, often caused by:
  • Birth control pills
  • Hormone replacement therapy, sometimes used after menopause
  • Pregnancy, for up to 3 months after giving birth

• Other factors that increase the risk of DVT include:
  • Previous DVT or PE
  • Family history of DVT or PE
  • Age (risk increases as age increases)
  • Obesity
  • A catheter located in a central vein

COMMON SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF A DVT

The most common signs and symptoms of DVT are:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Redness of the skin

COMMON SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF A PULMONARY EMBOLISM

The most common signs and symptoms of a Pulmonary Embolism (PE) are:

• Difficulty breathing
• Faster than a normal or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain or discomfort, which usually worsens with a deep breath or coughing
• Coughing up blood
• Very low blood pressure, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Being unable to walk or exercise

If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

INJURIES RESULTING FROM A DVT & PE 

Medical negligence allowing DVTs and PEs to develop and the failure to timely treat them can cause:

• Migration of a DVT clot to the lungs (PE) causing cardiac arrest and death
• Lung damage
• Heart damage
• Increased risk of DVT in the future
• Increased risk of PE in the future
• Loss of a leg or an arm
• Loss of blood flow to the area where the DVT is located
• Nerve and tissue damage
• Emergency Surgery