Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clotting disorder, not a vein disorder. As blood flow in the legs is often insufficiently fast, which activates a tendency for blood clotting and thus increases the risk of thrombosis. The blood clotting disorder „Factor V Leiden“ is one of the main causes of thrombosis.

Causes can include, among others:

• Longer plane or bus trips.   
• Prolonged immobilization of the leg in a cast.                             
• Artificial hip joint replacement.                              
• Following major surgeries, as movement is restricted.                           
• As a consequence and complication of varicose vein disease in varicosis.                               

Whether a deep vein thrombosis or superficial thrombosis exists can be determined through ultrasound and duplex sonography examination.

In the case of thrombosis, the deep vein becomes blocked, often ascending from the lower leg upwards. This forces blood to flow only through superficial veins.

If a blood clot becomes dislodged, it can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. Therefore, immediate treatment is vital.

Therapy

In addition to drug therapy with blood thinners „Marcumar, Arixtra, and Eliquis,“ compression therapy can be used.