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Treatment for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
How is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treated?
The main goals of treatment for DVT are:
- To prevent the blood clot from getting larger.
- To prevent the blood clot from traveling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
- To prevent post-thrombotic syndrome. This is a condition that can cause pain, sores, and swelling of the affected leg.
- To prevent blood clots from coming back.
Treatment includes medicine and self-care.
Blood thinners
DVT is usually treated with anticoagulant medicines. These medicines are often called blood thinners, but they don't actually thin the blood. They prevent blood clots by increasing the time it takes a blood clot to form. They also help prevent existing blood clots from becoming larger.
You might take anticoagulants for at least 3 months. The length of time will vary based on your own health and your risk for a pulmonary embolism.
Other treatments
Other treatments may be used in the hospital for some people. These treatments include thrombolytic medicine, a procedure to remove the blood clot (thrombectomy), and vena cava filters. But these treatments aren't common. They might be used for people who are at risk for serious problems from DVT.
Self-care
Your doctor may also recommend self-care to relieve symptoms. This care includes:
- Walking several times a day.
- Propping up (elevating) your leg or arm.
- Wearing compression stockings.
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Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.
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