Deep Vein Thrombosis - Other Treatment

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Other Treatment

Vena cava filters are used for some people with deep vein thrombosis who have bleeding disorders or other illnesses (including some forms of cancer or a recent bleeding ulcer) and cannot take anticoagulant medicines. This filter can prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). But the filter does not stop a clot from forming.

Vena cava filters may also be used if you:

  • Continue to develop blood clots even though you have been taking anticoagulant medicines.
  • Have recurrent blood clots and pulmonary hypertension.
  • Cannot take anticoagulant medicine (such as when you have a bleeding disorder, some forms of cancer, or a recent bleeding ulcer).

Compression stockings can also help relieve symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. A recent study showed that these stockings can cut your chances of developing postthrombotic syndrome nearly in half.5

Author: Robin Parks, MS
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Jeffrey J. Gilbertson, MD - Cardiovascular Surgery
Last Updated: 01/15/2008

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