1. By
Dr. ANUGOM Emeka.

2.  This is formation of blood clots in a
deep leg vein which usually runs
through the calf and thigh muscles
(not visible under the skin)
 These powerful muscles normally
push blood back to the heart by
contracting
 If it occurs in the superficial veins
under the skin its called superficial
thrombophlebitis, which is less
serious but can cross over to the
deep veins and cause deep venous
thrombosis.
2

3.  They usually resolve gradually,
but the serious complications
comprise:
 1. Pulmonary Embolism:
 This can be fatal and arises
from dislodged clot from the
leg veins through the large
heart veins to get stuck in a
blood vessel leading to a lung.
 2. Post-Thrombotic Syndrome:
 Persistent Discomfort and Calf
swelling
3

4.  1. Pain and tenderness
over the Calf
 2. Calf Swelling
 3. Colour and temperature
changes of the calf
 The blood is diverted to
other non-blocked veins,
making it warm and red)
 4. May be Asymptomatic
 Thus only noted following
complications.
4

5.  IMMOBILITY: (reduced blood flow)
 - Surgery lasting over 30 minutes
 - Any illness/injury causing
immobility
 - Long journey(over 4 hours) by
plane, train etc
 DAMAGE TO INSIDE LINING OF
VEINS: Vasculitis or some
chemotherapy drugs.
 CONTRACEPTIVE PILL & HORMONE
REPLACEMENT THERAPY: Estrogen
content may cause blood to clot
easier than usual
 OBESITY
5

6.  CONDITION CAUSING BLOOD TO CLOT
EASIER THAN USUAL (Thrombophila):
Conditions like Nephrotic syndrome,
Antiphospholipid syndrome, Inherited
conditions like factor V Leiden
 PEOPLE WITH CANCER OR HEART
FAILURE
 OLDER PEOPLE: Especially with poor
mobility or illnesses like cancer
 PREGNANCY
6

7.  This arises from long journeys (more
than 4 hours). Though rare with 1
case in 6000 journey of over 4 hrs.
precaution is important especially if
you’re in the At-Risk group.
 CAUSES
 Immobile and cramped for long
periods
 Reduced cabin pressure
 Reduced oxygen level in the plane
 Slight dehydration from not drinking
much water and taking too many
alcoholic beverages.
7

8.  1. Exercise calf and foot regularly
 - Every 30mins bend & straighten
your legs, feet & toes wherever
you’re seated.
 - Press the balls of your feet firmly
on the floor or foot-rest regularly to
increase blood flow in the legs
 - If permitted disembark from the
plane and have a stroll while its
refueling
 - Use leg exerciser for travels if
available.
 2. Drink Plenty of water (Avoid
dehydration)
8

9.  Do not drink too much alcohol
(this can lead to dehydration and
immobility)
 Do not take sleeping pills (Can
cause immobility)
 Use Compression stockings
 Take anticoagulant medication (If
at high risk) e.g. Heparin injection
 N:B Aspirin isn’t used to prevent
DVT (its rather more effective in
preventing clots in arteries that
can cause stroke or heart attack,
rather than clots in veins.
9

10.  Past history of DVT or Pulmonary
Embolism
 Family history of clotting disorders
 Cancer Patient or having had
treatment for cancer in the past
 Any major surgeries in the last 3
months like hip or knee
replacement (long haul flight not
advised for this class of people)
 Past history of Stroke
10

11.  Have a little walk to get the
circulation moving.
 N:B Slight painless puffiness of
feet and ankle is a common
occurrence after a long journey
and is not due to DVT.
11

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