What should you do if a dvt grows longer?

Elongating DVT?: You should be under the care of a physician since this condition can be disabling or life threatening. Initial treatment should have been compression stockings and nonstrenuous ambulation. Addition of anticoagulation medication and ultrasound tracking of clot location determines the next step which may include vein ligation, clot lysis or filter placement.

DVT progression: If the deep vein thrombus is progressing despite being anticoagulated, then the anticoagulation regimen may have to be modified or changed. It is very important to be evaluated and treated by both a phlebologist who will do serial venous Doppler ultrasound exams and a hematologist who makes sure that you are indeed properly anticoagulated. You need to be very closely monitored to prevent embolism.

Further evaluation : If symptoms are worsening & the DVT is involving a common femoral and/or iliac veins, consideration should be given for catheter directed thrombolysis. Patients with central DVT are at increased risk of developing post thrombotic syndrome. Also, If you are receiving heparin or heparin like anticoagulation & DVT is worsening, you should be checked for heparin induced thrombocytopenia (allergy).

Extension of DVT: Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that may propagate (elongate) and threaten direct extension into central veins or a piece may break off and travel (embolize). Anticoagulation is performed to prevent the above, but vein ligation, filter insertion, clot lysis or thrombectomy may be utilized. Initially, stockings and nonstrenuous ambulation may help prevent elongation.