Chandigarh
7 April 2023
DIVYA AZAD
A 48-year-old man had been suffering for long due to throbbing pain in his left leg coupled with swelling and skin darkening around the painful area. The Patient’s left leg had swollen badly and was almost double the size of his right leg. This had restricted his mobility and he was facing acute discomfort while walking. Unable to bear the pain, the Patient approached Dr Ravul Jindal, Director, Vascular Surgery, Fortis Hospital Mohali, in February this year.
Subsequent medicalevaluation and a Doppler ultrasound revealed that the Patient’s left leg had acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – a condition when blood flow is obstructed due to the formation of clots in blood vessels. This affects the heart and lungs, and can be fatal if not treated in time. A venogram test further showed multiple clots in the deep vein. The team of doctors led by Dr Jindal conducted Mechanical Thrombectomy with Venoplasty on the Patient’s left leg on 17th February this year.
Mechanical Thrombectomy with Venoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure wherein equipment is passed into the vein and all clots are sucked out. Then Thrombolysis with clot-breaking drugs (help dissolve blood clots) is done followed by angioplasty (ballooning to open the vein). This helps restore normal blood flow to the blocked veins. The Patient had immediate relief from pain and swelling, and was administered anti-coagulants, also known as blood thinners. He was discharged three days after the procedure on 20th February. The Patient has recovered completely and is able to walk with ease now.
Shedding light on DVT, Dr Jindal, said, “The prime factors of DVT include age, injury, genetic factors and prolonged bed rest. People above 60 years of age are at a higher risk of getting the disease. Those on bed rest for an extended period of time have restricted physical movement. This can cause blood clots in the calves of legs. If DVT is not treated in time, it can lead to pulmonary embolism, which is a serious condition and can cause acute breathlessness and chest pain.”
On ways to prevent DVT, Dr Jindal, added, “One should keep themselves well hydrated. Wear compression stockings during long travel as these help prevent the formation of blood clots. If possible, take small walking breaks. People with a family history of DVT should wear loose-fitted clothing as tight clothes can constrict blood flow in the waist or legs.”
