Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition in which a clot forms in a deep vein (often in the leg). At Prospero Vascular & Interventional, we recognize how deeply DVT affects patients’ lives — and we offer advanced, non‑surgical solutions as part of our outpatient services.
What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) refers to a blood clot forming in a deep vein, typically in the lower extremities (calf, thigh, pelvis). Vascular.org+2Mayo Clinic+2 These clots can obstruct normal venous return and may lead to complications if untreated, such as:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) — when part of the clot breaks off and lodges in the lungs Mayo Clinic+2Mayo Clinic+2
- Post‑thrombotic syndrome — long-term pain, swelling, skin changes, or ulcers in the affected limb Wikipedia+2Mayo Clinic+2
Many people with DVT experience swelling, pain, redness, increased warmth, or skin discoloration in the affected limb. Some, however, have no noticeable symptoms at all.
Risk Factors & Causes
Clot formation is typically driven by the triad of venous stasis, hypercoagulability, and endothelial injury. Additional risk factors include:
- Prolonged immobility (e.g. long travel, surgery, bed rest)
- Recent trauma, surgery, or vein injury
- Cancer, hormone therapy, pregnancy/postpartum changes
- Obesity, smoking, advanced age, genetic clotting disorders
Because DVT is part of a broader category called venous thromboembolism (VTE), the risk of recurrence is meaningful; that’s why prevention and follow‑up matter.
Diagnosing & Treating DVT: The Standard of Care
Diagnosis
To diagnose or rule out DVT, clinicians typically begin with:
- Clinical evaluation (history, physical exam, Wells score)
- D‑dimer blood test — elevated levels may suggest clot activity
- Duplex ultrasound (compression ultrasound) — the gold standard noninvasive imaging tool to locate clots and assess blood flow
- In select cases: venography or MRI/MR venography
Treatment
The goals of DVT treatment are to:
- Prevent clot extension
- Prevent embolization (movement toward lungs)
- Reduce recurrence
Typical therapies include:
- Anticoagulation (blood thinners) — first-line in most cases
- Catheter-directed thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy in select acute, high-risk clots
- In some chronic or complicated cases, venous stenting or reconstruction
- Compression therapy, leg elevation, and physical activity for symptom relief and prevention
At Prospero, while many patients will be managed medically, our interventional radiology expertise allows targeted, image-guided procedures when needed.
How Prospero Vascular & Interventional Can Support DVT & Related Venous Care
Although DVT is a vascular condition, the management and follow‑up often benefit from a specialized vascular / interventional radiology center. Here’s how Prospero Vascular & Interventional, based in Hayward and serving the East Bay, can play a vital role:
1. Venous Evaluation & Intervention
- We assess venous insufficiency, chronic venous disease, varicose veins, and venous stasis conditions that may contribute to recurrence of clots
- We perform sclerotherapy, vein ablation, and laser ablation for symptomatic veins
- In complex clot and post-thrombotic scenarios, we can evaluate the need for venous stenting or recanalization
2. Minimally Invasive, Same‑Day Procedures
We pride ourselves on offering image‑guided, minimally invasive treatments in an outpatient setting — meaning lower risk, faster recovery, and minimal discomfort. Our procedural repertoire includes:
- Angioplasty and stenting for vascular blockages
- Dialysis access, fistulograms
- Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) for knee pain, Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization (HAE), Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
- Uterine Artery / Fibroid Embolization, sclerotherapy, vein ablation
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), kyphoplasty, paracentesis, thoracentesis, port‑a‑cath placement
These capabilities allow us to comprehensively manage vascular and non‑vascular conditions — including those that may intersect with venous health.
3. Patient‑Centered Philosophy & Expert Leadership
Under the guidance of Dr. David Soto, a board‑certified vascular and interventional radiologist with over 15 years of experience, our clinic strives to fill a regional need for ambulatory interventional care. We emphasize:
- Safety and efficacy
- Lower procedural morbidity
- Faster recovery vs. open surgery
- Warm, compassionate care in a comfortable outpatient environment
Since opening in early 2024, Prospero has become a resource for patients who want less invasive, high-quality vascular and interventional treatments. You can learn more about our San Francisco vascular clinic here: Prospero San Francisco Vascular Clinic.
Why Early Detection & Management of DVT Matters
Timely diagnosis and treatment of DVT can prevent complications such as pulmonary embolism and chronic venous disease. Additionally, managing underlying risk factors — including obesity, inactivity, smoking, and vascular health — reduces recurrence risk.
A follow-up plan often includes surveillance ultrasounds, continued anticoagulation, and supervised physical activity. In venous disease or post-thrombotic settings, interventional options may improve quality of life.
For patients in the East Bay and beyond, Prospero offers a bridge between medical management and interventional care — enabling a smoother continuum of care.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one is experiencing leg swelling, unexplained leg pain, or risk factors for clotting, don’t delay evaluation. At Prospero Vascular & Interventional, we’re ready to provide personalized assessment and treatment in a same-day outpatient clinic.
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Resources & Further Reading
Below are credible, non‑competitive resources that help patients and professionals understand DVT and venous disease.
- Mayo Clinic – Deep Vein Thrombosis (Symptoms & Causes)
- Society for Vascular Surgery – Deep Vein Thrombosis Overview
- Cleveland Clinic – Deep Vein Thrombosis: Diagnosis & Treatment
- Johns Hopkins Medicine – Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – Venous Thromboembolism Information
