Unlike deep vein thrombosis, which affects the deep veins commonly found in the lower trunk of the body, superficial vein thrombosis or SVT refers to a blood clot in the superficial veins throughout the body. Depending on your age and the current condition of your skin, superficial vein thrombosis is increasingly common and caused by trauma to the superficial veins, usually by intravenous needles and catheters. For those who develop deep vein thrombosis, it is highly likely that they will develop SVT as well.
And unlike deep vein thrombosis, which is prevalent within the lower portion of the body, superficial vein thrombosis can develop anywhere in the upper or lower half of the body. This venous condition is not as severe as deep vein insufficiency and potential embolism, but is still an indicator of preexisting venous issues beneath the surface. Over 60% of the time, patients who already have varicose veins present in the body have some indications of superficial vein thrombosis.
SVT in the Saphenous Veins, Abdominal, and Chest Area
Veins within the body that are commonly affected are the saphenous vein located inside of the thighs, as well as veins within the chest and abdominal areas. Many superficial vein clots stem from external injury, but this is not always the case. For those patients with specific blood proteins or clotting factors that can cause thickening of the blood, additional testing is required.
How will I know if I have superficial vein thrombosis?
As we age, sometimes veins closest to the surface of our skin can become prominent due to the loss of the skin’s firmness and volume, leaving these veins at risk of being exposed to trauma. In this instance, even a small bump here or there can cause vein inflammation, leading to dark spots on the skin and the hardening of those veins as they heal. As such, superficial vein thrombosis is inflammation of the veins when we incur damage to our skin that bruises and impacts these veins. Once inflammation of the veins begins, the immune system cues an army of tiny collagen and fibrin fibers to attach to the damaged area in the vein, causing clotting to occur.
Clotting is meant to be temporary, as the body heals the surrounding tissue and vein wall. However, sometimes these clots do not degrade as they’re meant to, and end up blocking the vein for an extended period, often creating stress on low-pressure veins. The veins affected by superficial vein thrombosis are hardened and can resemble long, firm cords. Surface examination of the veins is possible but often ultrasound, or intravenous exploration, is best to determine if deeper issues exist.
How can I treat superficial vein thrombosis?
Generally, these clots can be easily broken up and metabolized with the use of medication to prevent existing or future clots from forming (as often occurs with thicker and slow flowing blood). These medications will thin the blood or correct any particular clotting factors that are at work here.
Why should I be concerned about blood clots?
The concern with blood clots remaining longer than required to heal the vein is that they block healthy blood from moving back to the heart. Should your organs and tissues incur blocked blood vessels, veins and arteries, good nutrients and oxygen are blocked as well. To maintain healthy veins, we must eliminate factors that cause an increased risk of blood clots. Consistent blood clots present on the surface are an indication of other clots that could exist throughout the body. If these clots turn into serious embolisms, they can lodge anywhere within the brain, heart or lungs, causing a potentially fatal stroke or heart attack.
To learn more about heart healthy preventative care and how to care for your veins, call 1-888-876-8346 to schedule your appointment with our physicians at Canada Vein Clinics today. For those patients experiencing varicose veins and superficial vein thrombosis on the surface of the skin, we will offer preventative treatment options and solutions that are nonsurgical and painless to relieve symptoms.
To ensure optimal cardiovascular health, we offer a number of tests to ensure deeper veins are patent and normal blood flows to and from the heart.
At Canada Vein Clinics, we strive to treat your veins safely and as comfortably as possible. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with our physician.
Consultation
by Alan. Trufal
Category: generalAfter 3 veinous ultrasounds, due to a swollen left leg and painful ankle when walking, I got my doctor to refer me to Canada Vein Clinic. Another ultrasound was done in house. I lucked into a virtual consultation with Dr. Matz himself, shortly after , fully expecting a recommendation for one of the vein treatments . Laser was what I expected. Much to my surprise , after being asked a number of questions relating to my symptoms, Dr. Matz suggested that there was no serious vein problem . He recommended an arterial ultrasound, which was also done in house , shortly afterwards. Before I forget , I would also like to thank the staff , and in particular Sasha , for all her help and concern. It appears that I do have minor vein and artery issues in my left leg. But , nothing that would require any intervention at this point in time. I cannot thank Dr. Matz enough. I believe he is a very honest , caring and most competent doctor . If I ever do need a vein procedure , I will return to have Dr. Matz do it.
VenaSeal
by Billie Johnston
Category: generalGreat experience at Canada Vein Clinic. I had the procedure done approximately 3 years ago to remove my varicose veins. It has taken me this long to leave a review because I wanted to be sure it lasted. It has! I was VERY nervous, but on the day of the procedure felt comfortable and confident that I was "in good hands". The actual procedure was not painful and not even uncomfortable. However, 3 or 4 days after, I did develop pain and discomfort (because I did not follow instructions). It was recommended that I apply Arnica and I did not. When I developed the pain, I did start applying the Arnica and within a day everything was as it should be. Highly recommend Canada Vein Clinic. Very professional, courteous, and informative. And my leg is still smooth and vein free after 3 years!
Venalseal
by Gisele McCann
Category: vein therapyI had contacted Dr.Matz at the Canada Vein Clinic to have removal of some very large veins reviewd. Since I have some medical issues, Dr.Matz suggested that the safest way to achieve this would be with the venaseal procedure. Ultrasounds confirmed that this would be the safest way. I was aware that it may not result in a 100% result. The procedure was basically pain free with a minimal amount of bruising and very fast recovery. Multible Ultrasound checks over 1 years Confirmed that the procedure was successful and improved with time. I submitted pictures for a telephone consultation with Dr.Matz and was assured that minor issues could be addressed at a later date. I was treated with the utmost professionalism by Dr.Matz and the clicic staff. I would recommend to get an assessment by Drt.Matz at Canada Vein Clinics. GMCC
Never felt better
by Lori Brummell
Category: vein therapyOne year ago I got my various veins done. My legs have never felt better. It is expensive but well worth it.
Venaseal Treatment
by Francesco Giordano
Category: vein therapyMy varicose vein was so bad that my calf was almost double the size of the other one. After my Venaseal treatment with Dr. Matz, it has shrunk down to the same as the other one with some minor bruising as the only evidence left of the varicose vein. All the staff at the clinic were friendly and kind. Overall it was a great experience.
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