Popliteal, superficial femoral, common femoral, iliac veins and inferior vena cava are free of clot. Swelling in left leg has totally resolved. The deep veins are equipped with one-way valves that regulate the flow of blood. Skin ulcers on the ankles or shin bone area, dry, scaly skin especially around the ankles, and edema are the long term sequela of deep venous thrombosis. Although there are a variety of conservative treatments, interventional radiologists may help prevent these long term sequela by dissolving the clots with Urokinase when they first develop.
Clots can become life threatening when they break off and travel to the lung.
When thrombolysis or anti-coagulation are contraindicated, the interventional radiologist can place an IVC filter to mechanically prevent pulmonary emboli. Varicose veins are not serious, but they can cause psychological discomfort. They are more common in women and in people who sit or stand in the same position for long periods of time. Injections or minor, limited surgery can sometimes treat varicose veins quite effectively.