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DVTDVT

DVT� DVT stands for deep vein thrombosis (throm-BO-sis)

� DVT is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a deep vein inside the body, usually in the legs.

� Clots can form in superficial veins and in deep veins. � Clots can form in superficial veins and in deep veins. Blood clots with inflammation in superficial veins (called superficial thrombophlebitis or phlebitis) rarely cause serious problems. But clots in deep veins (DVT) require immediate medical care.

DEEP VEINS

Veins in the extremities carry blood to the heart and lungs, where the blood is oxygenated. As the blood returns to the heart from the lungs, the arteries carry the oxygen-rich blood out to the body. (From Medline Plus)

VenographyVenographyThis slide shows a DVT in the thigh region (circled). (DVT = Deep Vein Thrombosis)

DVT� If part of a blood clot breaks off, it can travel through the

bloodstream to the lung and cause a pulmonary embolism (PULL-mun-ary EM-bo-lizm), often referred to as a PE, which can be fatal.

DVT (i.e. a blood clot in a deep vein of the leg, pelvis, � DVT (i.e. a blood clot in a deep vein of the leg, pelvis, and sometimes arm) does not cause heart attack or stroke.

� (However, a blood clot in an artery, usually in the heart or brain, is called arterial thrombosis. This type of blood clot can cause heart attack or stroke.)

PEPE

PE� PE stands for “pulmonary embolism”

(PULL-mun-ary EM-bo-lizm)

� A PE is a sudden blockage in a lung artery.

� The blockage usually is due to a blood � The blockage usually is due to a blood clot that traveled to the lung from a vein in the leg (i.e. a DVT).

� A clot that forms in one part of the body and travels in the bloodstream to another part of the body is called an embolus (EM-bo-lus).

� PE is a very serious condition. It can damage the lungs and other organs in the body and cause death.

You Tube Video Links“Pulmonary Embolism-What is a Pulmonary Embolism?” (The Henry 2010’s Channel)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyZZajGDXlE

“3D Medical Animation of DVT & Pulmonary Embolism” (Nucleus Medical Art)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGrDAGN5pC0

“How a Clot Can Become a Pulmonary Embolism” (ASHWebmaster)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyNTlx5eWtk

StrokeStroke

Stroke� A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that brings oxygen

and nutrients to the brain either bursts (hemorrhagic stroke) or is clogged by a blood clot or some other mass (ischemic stroke).

"Mini-strokes" or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), � "Mini-strokes" or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), occur when the blood supply to the brain is briefly interrupted.

Summary

� Blood clots in the veins or venous system can cause deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the pelvic, leg, and upper extremity veins.

� When these DVTs break off and travel through the bloodstream to the heart and then to the lung blood vessels, they cause acute pulmonary embolism (PE)

� Blood clots that develop in the arteries can cause heart attack, stroke and other conditions.