Deep Vein Thrombosis

Other Treatment

Vena cava filters are used for some people with deep vein thrombosis who have bleeding disorders or other illnesses (including some forms of cancer or a recent bleeding ulcer) and cannot take anticoagulant medicines. This filter can prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). But the filter does not stop a clot from forming.

Vena cava filters may also be used if you:

• Continue to develop blood clots even though you have been taking anticoagulant medicines.
• Have recurrent blood clots and pulmonary hypertension.
• Cannot take anticoagulant medicine (such as when you have a bleeding disorder, some forms of cancer, or a recent bleeding ulcer).

Compression stockings can also help relieve symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. A recent study showed that these stockings can cut your chances of developing postthrombotic syndrome nearly in half.⁵

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: January 15, 2008
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Jeffrey J. Gilbertson, MD - Cardiovascular Surgery
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