Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Tests & Treatments at University of Colorado Hospital
Tests for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT tests detect clots that may pose a risk to your health.
Infrared light
Detect the presence of blood leakage into the tissues.
Muscle pumps
Squeeze blood out of the veins and measure the amount of time the vein takes to refill.
Ultrasound
Uses a wand that emits high-frequency sound waves to painlessly show how well blood is flowing through the veins.
CT scan
Uses X-rays to show pictures of the vein in slices. The pictures allow your doctor to identify areas of poor blood flow.
Venography
Uses contrast dye to show the veins more clearly on
X-ray.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Treatments
Blood Thinners
Your doctor may try to stop the progression of the clot with blood thinners. These thinners can be short-acting or long-acting. Long-acting thinners need time to take effect; in the interim, your doctor will administer low molecular weight heparin as a “bridge” thinner.
Catheterization
Your doctor may choose to dissolve the clot with a long, thin tube called a catheter. The catheter is threaded through a vein to the clot, where it is infused with a naturally occurring substance, known as a lysing (loosening) agent, which helps to break up the collection of blood.
Filters
Your doctor may decide to surgically place filter in the main vein of your abdomen to catch a clot if it breaks loose if:
- Your DVT is chronic
- Your DVT is recurring
- You cannot take blood thinners
The filter prevents a clot in your lung (pulmonary embolism) that may threaten your life.