About Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep Vein Thrombosis, also known as DVT, is a blood clot (or thrombus), in a deep vein, typically in the thigh or calf. A blood clot can develop as a result of surgery, medication, trauma, disease or lack of activity, caused by excessive sitting or being confirmed to bed rest. If part of the thrombus breaks off, it becomes an embolism. An embolism travels until it becomes stuck in a smaller vein or artery which constricts normal blood flow resulting in surrounding cell death and possibly fatality (pulmonary embolism). Nearly two million people in the United States are diagnosed with DVT each year.
Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevalence
DVT prevalence is much higher than the average person may believe.
- More than 50% of all hospitalized patients are at risk of DVT
- More people die from blood clotting complications annually than breast cancer, HIV, AIDS and road traffic accidents combined
- Venous thromboembolisum (VTE) is the second most common medical complication in acute care
- 10% of patients with high bleeding risk who are not anti-coagulated, could have been offered safe protection against DVT with the Venowave VW5 or other mechanical prophylaxis device.
Risk Factors for Developing Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Prolonged sitting
- Surgery (Neurosurgery, orthopaedic, Gynaecological and gastrointestinal surgeries)
- Hospitalization
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Injury to the leg (with or without surgery/casting)
- Airplane flights (>4hrs)
- Medications (estrogen)
Traditional Treatments for Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention
- Graduated compression stockings
- Anti-coagulants
- Pneumatic Compression Device
