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Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Topic Overview
-
Health Tools
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When To Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Home Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Treatment
- Other Places To Get Help
- References
- Credits
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. These
stockings can greatly lower your chances of developing
postthrombotic syndrome. See a slideshow about how to put on compression stockings
.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 5, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology | |
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