Venous Thrombectomy
Scottsdale, Arizona
At EPIC Surgery Center, our vascular specialists are committed to treating DVT as soon as possible to prevent severe and potentially life-threatening complications. We offer venous thrombectomy at the only cardiovascular ambulatory surgery center in the Scottsdale area to relieve you of your symptoms and preserve your quality of life. With our physicians' extensive experience and commitment to excellence, you can count on the highest level of care and service.
Venous Thrombectomy: An Overview
A Venous thrombectomy is the surgical removal of a blood clot within an artery or a large vein. Normally, blood flows through your blood vessels, arteries, and veins, carrying blood with oxygen and nutrients around the body. In some cases, the blood thickens, forming a blood clot, blocking blood flow, and damaging nearby tissues.
These types of blood clots usually develop as a complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which a clot forms in a vein deep within the body, causing vein damage and impeding blood flow. If the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it can cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Depending on your unique needs, we may recommend venous thrombectomy combined with other procedures such as thrombolysis, anticoagulants, angioplasty, stenting, or a vena cava filter placement.
Are You a Candidate for Venous Thrombectomy?
Venous thrombectomy is typically recommended as a last resort for large clots that develop high in the leg and are generally performed on patients with no additional serious illnesses. Other indications may include individuals who are not eligible for other common DVT treatments, such as pregnant patients, those who do not respond to anticoagulation therapy, and those who cannot tolerate thrombolysis. Candidates for venous thrombectomy also include patients at risk of limb loss or venous gangrene resulting from massive DVTs.
What Is the Venous Thrombectomy Procedure?
A venous thrombectomy typically requires two to three hours to complete. Before starting the procedure, we'll administer a local anesthetic and IV sedation for your comfort.
During the procedure, our physicians will insert a catheter sheath into a small incision in the groin and inject a contrast dye to allow our physicians to visualize the area of the affected vein on an x-ray screen. The next step is threading the catheter to the location of the clot to break it up.
What Happens After a Venous Thrombectomy?
A venous thrombectomy has a high success rate. After the procedure, you'll have to walk and rest repeatedly for up to six hours to assist in vascular healing. You'll need to take antibiotics and wear compression stockings as directed, and use the prescribed pain medication as required.
It's essential to drink plenty of water for the days following your procedure to flush out any residual contrast dye from your body. Make sure to contact us right away if you have blood in the urine, nosebleeds, abdominal pain or bruising, or if you have any concerns.
