Did you know that more than 200 000 South Africans suffer from Deep Vein Thrombosis? In addition, 20 000 people die from this illness each year.
At the forefront of this battle is Dr Vinesh Padayachy, a leading vascular surgeon in Durban, whose expertise in treating this serious medical condition has gained him international recognition.
Dr Padayachy who practices from Lenmed eThekwini Hospital and Heart Centre in Durban explained that DVT is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs.
“This is a serious issue because if the clot breaks loose, it can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal,” he said.
Public awareness is crucial as early detection and treatment can prevent severe complications and save lives.
Recognising the risk factors and symptoms of DVT allows individuals to seek prompt medical attention.
The primary causes of DVT include prolonged immobility, surgery, trauma, and certain medical conditions like cancer or heart disease.
Dr Padayachy notes that risk factors also encompass genetic predispositions, age, obesity, smoking, and hormone therapy.
“Patients more susceptible to DVT include those who are bedridden, have a history of blood clots or have undergone recent surgery. Pregnant women and those on birth control pills are also at higher risk,” he adds.
DVT symptoms can often be subtle or mistaken for other conditions, making early recognition vital.
Common signs include swelling, pain, redness, and warmth in the affected leg.
Dr Padayachy advises, “Individuals should be aware of these signs, especially if they have risk factors.”
Diagnostic methods such as ultrasound, D-dimer blood tests, and sometimes venography or MRI help confirm the presence of a clot and guide appropriate treatment.
Preventive measures are key in reducing the risk of developing DVT.
Dr Padayachy recommends staying active, avoiding prolonged immobility, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking.
For those at higher risk, wearing compression stockings, taking prescribed blood thinners and following medical advice post-surgery or during long travel are effective strategies.
“Hydration and regular movement, particularly during long flights or car rides, are also beneficial,” the surgeon said..
Treatment Options
Treatment options for DVT include anticoagulant medications, thrombolytics (clot busters), and in some cases, surgical intervention like thrombectomy.
“The choice of treatment depends on the clot’s size, location, and the patient’s overall health and risk factors. Each treatment plan is individualised for a specific patient to balance effectiveness and safety,” explains Dr Padayachy.
Compression stockings and lifestyle changes are often recommended as supportive treatments.
Managing Complications and Long-term Effects
Untreated DVT can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism, chronic venous insufficiency and post-thrombotic syndrome, which causes long-term pain and swelling.
Preventing these involves timely diagnosis, adherence to treatment plans and regular follow-up with healthcare providers.
Dr Padayachy highlights the importance of managing risk factors and making lifestyle changes to prevent recurrence and long-term effects.
Leveraging Technology in DVT Management
Modern technology has significantly enhanced DVT management.
Advanced imaging techniques like ultrasound and MRI enable accurate and early diagnosis. The development of novel anticoagulants offers more effective and safer treatment options.
“Minimally invasive procedures, such as catheter-directed thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, provide targeted treatment with faster recovery times,” Dr. Padayachy said, adding that these advancements improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.
Looking Ahead: The Future of DVT Management
Looking to the future, Dr Padayachy sees personalised medicine as a significant advancement in DVT management.
Dr Padayachy expressed particular excitement about ongoing research into biodegradable stents and enhanced thrombolytic agents, which promise to revolutionise DVT treatment and improve patient outcomes.