If your physician suggests this as an appropriate device for you, be sure to have an in-depth discussion to fully understand the risks and benefits. However, the filter doesn't stop new blood clots from forming. The filter catches blood clots from the legs before they travel to the lungs, which prevents pulmonary embolism. The filter is surgically inserted inside a large vein called the vena cava. In the rare circumstances in which blood thinners cannot be used or do not seem to be working, your physician may suggest an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter. Because pulmonary embolism often starts in the legs, the increased pressure on the leg muscles forces blood to move, discouraging clots. It is also important for people taking blood thinners to be careful not to over-exert themselves during exercise.Ĭompression socks are a helpful tool for preventing PE occurrences. Your doctor may suggest staying away from certain foods (such as foods rich in vitamin K), alcohol, or some over-the-counter medicines (such as aspirin and sleeping pills). The length of treatment depends on the underlying cause.Īppropriate caution must be taken due to the bleeding risk when on anticoagulants. Your healthcare provider may prescribe anticoagulants, or blood thinners, which may be needed for as little as three months but can be required for the remainder of a patient’s life. While a pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening, most patients survive and need to learn how to live with the risk of recurrence. For a very large, life-threatening clot, doctors may suggest removing it via a thin, flexible tube (catheter) threaded through your blood vessels. If it doesn’t, more drastic measures may need to be taken.Ĭlot dissolvers called thrombolytics are a medication reserved for life-threatening situations because they can cause sudden and severe bleeding. In most cases, the hope is your body will eventually dissolve the clot on its own. It is important to note that blood thinners won’t dissolve the blood clot. However, it is important to work with your doctor to find the best possible treatment for your condition. Patients will normally have to take medications regularly for an indefinite amount of time, usually at least 3 months. Thanks to medical advancements, many patients are good candidates for taking blood thinner tablets which do not require routine monitoring. While hospitalized an injection is used, but this will be transitioned into a pill regimen when the patient is sent home. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent serious complications or death.īlood thinners or anticoagulants are the most common treatment for a blood clot in the lung. Treatment is aimed at keeping the blood clot from getting bigger and preventing new clots from forming.
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