Deep Vein
Thrombosis - DVT
Feel Good About Your Legs Again
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
DVT is a life-threatening condition. It’s a blood clot deep inside the body, usually the calf of the leg, but it can be anywhere. The risk is the clot traveling to the lungs, becoming a pulmonary embolism. If this happens, the clot can block a major artery of the lung.
Untreated DVT can lead to Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS) which is scarring in the blood vessels due to decreased circulation.
Our Advanced Treatments
Depending on the severity of your DVT, we may use catheter-directed thrombolysis – also known as clot busters. In more severe cases, we use recanalization to open up the artery and re-establish blood flow.
Symptoms of DVT
- Aches
- Pains
- Swelling(unusual andsudden),
- usually worseon one side
- Tenderness
- Cramps
- No symptoms at all
Symptoms of PTS
- Pain (aching or cramping)
- Heaviness
- Itching or tingling
- Varicose veins
- Brownish or reddish skin discoloration
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
DVT is very treatable. If you’ve had any of the symptoms listed above, or just an unexplained pain in your leg that has lasted several days, a simple ultrasound will determine if it’s DVT.
Get Treated Sooner
Because we’re highly specialized, with seven treatment locations in the St. Louis area, we’re able to schedule your exam and treatment much sooner than other facilities. Call us at 314-849-0923 or complete this contact form to get started.
Schedule a Consultation
What To Expect
Consultation
Dr. Krikorian will examine your legs and feet, or possibly your arms. Depending on your condition, we may do ultrasounds. We’ll do labs prior to follow-up or procedure.
Procedures
Usually, a blood clot can be dissolved with medications. However, if you need a thrombectomy, which is minor surgery, we can schedule you at one of our out-patient surgical centers.
Recovery
We will prescribe long-term blood thinners.
"No More Pain"
MaryAnn R.
My daughter could not believe how good my legs looked! She is going to see Dr. Krikorian too. I was completely satisfied with my treatment and am no longer in pain. The result is fantastic and I highly recommend going to see Dr. Krikorian if you are experiencing any leg pain.
"I Walked 2 Miles the Next Day!"
Shirley M.
I had suffered with varicose veins for years. I recently went to see Dr. Krikorian at Virtue Vein & Lymphatic Center where he told me everything I needed to know about vein disease and the treatment options. He performed a laser ablation on my diseased vein, and I was able to resume my normal activity the day after my procedure!
"They Listen Very Well!"
Jeff K.
Dr. Krikorian is a busy man, but he will take the time necessary to really listen to you and figure out what the problem is. Most doctors these days seem to be talking to the computer, and not the person. Well, here it is the other way around.
"Very Knowledgable!"
Happy Patient
After my stress test was normal, Dr. Krikorian explained that the test was around 70% accurate and that I should pay close attention to my body for any warning signs. A few weeks later I was exercising when my energy was zapped in less than 10 minutes and I had a pain under the sternum. I called Dr. Krikorian and he scheduled a cardiac catheterization the next day. He said I showed no sign of a heart attack but he found a 99% blockage in the circumflex artery, which he opened with a stent. I am grateful that he explained possible warning signs and then responded quickly with the catheterization and stent.
"My Leg is Feeling So Much Better!"
Marlene G.
Dr. Krikorian performed a laser ablation to treat the vein disease in my right leg. I didn’t even realize how much my left leg hurt from varicose veins until he fixed my right leg! I thought the treatment would be painful, so I was so pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn’t.
Deep Vein Thrombosis FAQ
Am I at risk for DVT?
DVT can happen to anyone at any age, but it’s most common in people over 60. You’re at more risk if you sit for long periods of time, are pregnant or on birth control pills/have hormone replacement therapy, overweight, smoke, or have other diseases such as cancer, IBS, or heart failure. If a family member has DVT, you’re also at increased risk.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
This is a serious medical condition, so most insurances cover treatment.
Does the treatment hurt?
Typically, no.
Will my DVT come back after treatment?
It’s very possible, depending on your condition. Once you have one DVT, you’re more susceptible to another.
Is there a way to prevent DVT?
Weight management and exercise helps prevent DVT. Avoid sitting for more than a half hour at a time and consider wearing 20-30 mmHg compression stockings.
