Buying and caring for you graduated compression stocking (GCS) When buying your GCS your leg should be carefully measured and sized by the person selling you the stocking. Purchasing the correct size and personalized fit, is extremely important for your comfort and the stocking`s effectiveness. Proper care of your stocking is also important for its optimum effectiveness and its life expectancy. Below are some suggestions in caring for your GCS:… Lire la suite »
Read MoreInferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters The first IVC filter prototype was created by Dr. Kazi Mobin-Uddin who published his findings in 1969. IVC filters were first introduced for use in 1998. Why would a doctor order an IVC filter? An IVC filter may be used when a person with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and or Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is unable to receive anticoagulation (blood thinning medication), such as when… Lire la suite »
Read MoreThrombolytic Therapy: A thrombolytic is a medication injected through your veins that dissolves blood clots. Often it is referred to as “clot-busting” medication. The delivery of a thrombolytic is often an emergency procedure and the best result is when there is a short time between the diagnosis of DVT/PE and the start of thrombolytic therapy. It is mostly used in cases of life or limb-threatening blood clots. In almost… Lire la suite »
Read MoreHow do GCS work? Graduated Compression Stockings (GCS) work by putting pressure on the veins in your leg to improve the flow of blood. The term “graduated” describes that the pressure is greatest at your ankle and “gradually” lessens moving up the leg. GCS come in knee-high or full-length. If the leg swelling is below the knee, then a below-knee stocking is appropriate. If swelling involves the thigh, then… Lire la suite »
Read MoreWhat are some factors that are taken into consideration by your doctor when deciding on how long you will remain on treatment? 1) Reason why you had a blood clot: Your doctor will ask you questions to better understand the circumstances that lead to your blood clot. He/she will decide whether there were transient provoking factors (eg: recent surgery, hospitalization) or whether there were no obvious provoking factors (eg…. Lire la suite »
Read MoreImportant facts about treatment The following are some important principles related to the treatment of blood clots. They apply to both Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE). 1. Treatment almost always involves blood thinners also known as anticoagulants. There are exceptional situations such as: Your risk of bleeding The size and location of your blood clot The type of blood clot 2. Anticoagulants don’t dissolve… Lire la suite »
Read MoreSee an informational brochure on Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) here
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