Superficial Venous Thrombosis Thrombophlebitis | Austin, TX
Superficial Venous Thrombosis (SVT)
Superficial venous thrombosis is the medical term that refers to the presence of blood clots within the superficial blood vessels of the body (the smaller veins that are closer to the skin surface). Another terms for superficial venous thrombosis is SVT , superficial thrombophlebitis, or superficial phlebitis. They are differentiated from the larger blood clots that occur deeper in the body, referred to as deep venous thrombosis or DVT.
Since blood clots in the superficial veins are located close to the skin surface, they are often able to be felt under the skin. They are swollen, tender, and firm. SVT often leads to the development of redness of the overlying skin with associated pain. The blood clots can spread and worsen over time. Medical care should be sought if SVT is suspected.
Dangers of Superficial Venous Thrombosis
The danger to superficial blood clots is that they can sometime grow and spread into deeper veins, causing a deep venous thrombosis. Deep venous thrombosis can then lead to severe damage to the normal circulation of the body. Deep venous thrombosis can also have the risk of breaking loose and traveling to the lungs, referred to as pulmonary embolism.
Another danger to superficial thrombophlebitis is that it cause become infected, leading to bacterial thrombophlebitis which can cause blood-stream related infections. Since SVT can occur after IV placements or catheter placements, the vein and the vein clot can sometimes get infected with bacteria due to breaks in the skin. This increases the risk of bacteremia, bacterial sepsis, and bacterial infections of heart valves. Since the skin is often red and swollen in most cases of superficial thrombophlebitis, it can be difficult to determine if the vein and clot are infected. Infections of blood clots makes the condition even more serious.
Diagnosis of Superficial Thrombophlebitis
The diagnosis of SVT is most commonly determined through a combination of physical examination of the area(s) by a medical professional and an ultrasound to document the extent of the blood clot. Ultrasound is needed since it is impossible to determine the extent or depth of the blood clot by external examination alone. Since blood clots can travel to deeper veins and be a serious health concern, it is necessary to obtain an ultrasound. In addition to an ultrasound, there also could be a recommendation to obtain a blood test referred to as a D-dimer test. If a abnormal hypercoagulable disorder is suspected, then other blood tests to check your body for abnormal thrombophilia may be done.
Treatment of Superficial Venous Thrombosis
Superficial Venous Thrombosis (SVT) is often treated with aspirin, warm compresses, anti-inflammatories, and exercise. Compression of the area with a compression stocking or compression sleeve can be beneficial. If infection is suspected then antibiotics and sometimes even surgery are indicated. An ultrasound is required to assess the extent of the blood clot and to assess its response to treatment. Ultrasound helps to determine the size and extent of the blood clot and determine whether underlying deep veins are involved. If the ultrasound shows a more extensive SVT or a deeper blood clot then prescription blood thinner medications would be prescribed. These medications thin the blood to prevent clot progression and to stabilize the blood clot. The medications are referred to as anticoagulants. Seek a medical professional that specializes in vein diseases if SVT is suspected.
Superficial Venous Thrombosis Experts
Austin Vascular Surgeons are local experts in the diagnosis and management of blood clots, including superficial thrombophlebitis (SVT). We have board-certified Vein Doctors, Vein Surgeons, and a full-time vascular ultrasound department. If you suspect SVT, contact our Vascular Center at (512) 339-9102.
