Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis

Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis

Taken from Paradigm Medical.

 Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep inside the body. In most cases, this clot forms inside one of the deep veins of the thigh or lower leg.


DVT is a common condition, especially in people over age 65. Post-thrombotic syndrome affects a large number of people who have had DVT. It can happen in men and women of any age.

DVT is a serious medical condition that can cause swelling, pain, and tenderness in your leg. In some cases, a deep clot in a leg vein can break free and stick in a vessel in the lung. This can cause a blockage in the vessel called a pulmonary embolism, which can cause severe shortness of breath and even sudden death.

Anything that slows the movement of blood through your veins increases your risk of DVT. A variety of conditions can increase your chance of getting a DVT, such as:

  • Recent surgery, which decreases your mobility and increases inflammation in the body, which can lead to clotting
  • Medical conditions that limit your mobility, such as an injury or stroke
  • Long periods of travel, which limit your mobility
  • Injury to a deep vein
  • Inherited blood disorders that increase clotting
  • Pregnancy
  • Cancer treatment
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Older age
Prevention is critical for Clients at high risk for DVT, including those undergoing surgery, hospital inpatients, trauma patients, and cancer patients.

*Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices are a recommended form of prophylaxis used to help prevent DVT by the Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery.

    IPC devices, such as the Multi-FLO DVT Combo, use cuffs around the calf, thigh and or foot that fill with air and squeeze your legs. This increases blood flow through the veins of your legs and helps prevent blood clots.
     

    The Multi-FLO DVT Combo offers  three types of therapy:
     
    1)  Bilateral Calf or Calf & Thigh
    • Intended for prophylaxis of deep vein
      thrombosis
    2)  Bilateral Foot
    • Intended for prophylaxis of deep vein
      thrombosis
    • Enhancement of venous and arterial
      circulation
    • Prevention of venous stasis ulcers
    • Assist in healing of cutaneous ulcers
    3)  Post-Operative Cold Compression
    • Intended to help reduce pain and swelling after surgery
    • Enhances faster healing and tissue regeneration required by the body
    Pneumatic Compression Devices for the treatment of DVTs may be covered by private insurance. Check with your insurance provider!

    *As a Class II Medical Device regulated by Health Canada, a prescription is required. 

    For more information on IPC devices to prevent DVT, contact us today!
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