Treatment Options for DVT
In the earlier stages of DVT, medications can be used to break down the blood clots and thin the blood. Such medications are heparin, warfarin, enoxaparin, and fondaparinux. If the blood thinners don’t work, the doctor may prescribe some thrombolytic drugs that will break up the clot. When thrombolytic drugs are used, the deep vein thrombosis treatment cost ranges from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 40,000.
The next line of treatment will be using Vena Cava Filters. The filters are placed inside the abdominal vein, called vena cava. This filter prevents the blood clots from entering the lungs and causing a pulmonary embolism. It is achieved through a surgical procedure and DVT surgery cost goes around Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,50,000 approx.
The last resort to treat DVT is surgery. Thrombectomy is the procedure performed for the removal of a blood clot. The surgery is performed by making an incision into the blood vessel, locating the clot, and removing it. Then the blood vessel and tissues are repaired. Thrombectomy is a very complex procedure which is why it is slightly expensive than other treatment methods. The cost of DVT surgery will start from Rs. 1,00,000 and may go up to Rs. 3,00,000 or above depending on the complexity.
FAQs
What are the common symptoms of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)?
When deep vein thrombosis develops in the lower extremities, the person will experience the following symptoms-
- Swelling in the foot, ankle, or leg
- Cramping in the affected leg
- Severe and unexplained pain in the foot and ankle
- Warmness in the affected area
- Discoloration of the skin
If deep vein thrombosis is developing in upper extremities, the symptoms will be-
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Swelling in the affected area
- Darkened skin color
- Pain that moves from arm to the forearm
- Weakness in the hand
What are the risk factors of developing DVT?
A person has a higher risk of developing DVT due to-
- Old age
- Sitting for prolonged periods
- Complete bed rest, especially due to surgical procedures or paralysis
- Injury or surgery
- Pregnancy
- Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
- Smoking
- Heart failure
- Family history of DVT or PE
- Genetic disorders
Does surgery increase the chances of developing DVT?
Yes. During surgery, the blood vessels may get damaged due to which blood clots may start to form. Furthermore, surgical procedures also require bed rest for a specific period of time. The immobility during the recovery phase can affect blood circulation and increase the risk of developing blood clots in deep veins.
How DVT is diagnosed?
To diagnose DVT and to find out the location and size of the blood clot, the following tests are recommended-
- Ultrasound to check the interrupted blood flow in the veins
- Venogram to identify the clot
- D-dimer test to check if any substance is released when the blood clot breaks
How long does it take to recover after DVT surgery?
Generally, it takes around several weeks, sometimes months to recover completely after DVT surgery. The condition can have long-term adverse effects on blood vessel functions. Therefore, even with regular use of anticoagulants, the post-surgery effects will take at least a month to disappear. During the recovery phase, the patient is encouraged to stay physically active to minimize the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome.
What exercises can improve blood flow in the legs?
Immobility is one of the primary causes of developing blood clots. That’s why doctors often suggest the following exercises to improve blood circulation in the legs-
- Knee pulls
- Foot pumps
- Ankle circles
What are the chances of DVT recurrence after surgery?
The chances of getting a second DVT are reduced after surgery. However, as time passes, the risk increases gradually. Within the first year, there are about 11% chances of getting another DVT. In the next 10 years, the risk may increase up to 40%.
Insurance Coverage for DVT Treatment
It should be duly noted that DVT treatment cost may not be covered under insurance right away if the condition exists at the time of purchase. There will be a waiting period of 2/3/4 years to get treatment for existing conditions. However, if DVT developed after purchasing the policy, the insurance company will cover the treatment expenses.
As DVT is a life-threatening condition, it comes under the category of critical illnesses and the treatment is considered medically necessary. Thus, the deep vein thrombosis treatment cost can be paid completely by the insurance company.
To get a closer estimate for DVT treatment cost, book an appointment with the best vascular surgeons in India.