The risk of Deep Venus Thrombosis (DVT) is a very important issue that we take very seriously at Nadora Healthcare in our bundled payments surgical center. DVT is a condition in which patients can develop blood clots in the veins of their legs after certain orthopedic procedures. The concern is that DVT can cause leg pain and swelling or if the blood clot dislodges from the deep veins of the leg, it can travel to the lungs and cause the patient to have difficulty breathing, chest pain, or even death (if the blood clot is large enough). Although the risk of any of this happening is extremely low, if it does occur the results could be devastating. That’s why we, at Nadora, take extraordinary precautions to avoid DVT.
The precautions that we take to avoid DVT start before surgery is even scheduled. Our nurses are especially trained to ask certain questions during the pre-operative phone interview which would indicate to our doctors and staff that a patient is at risk for DVT. Next, after surgeries that have an increased risk of DVT, our patients are given oral medications that will purposely thin their blood and avoid clotting in the deep veins of their legs. Also, patients who have procedures which increase the risk of DVT will have a special compression pad placed on their legs which will intermittently squeeze their calves in order to promote blood flow and avoid blood clots. Finally our post-operative nurses are especially trained to gently get patients out of bed and walking as soon as is practical after surgery. This is done in order to promote the movement of blood through the body so that it does not stay in one place and clot. These measures prevent the clotting of blood in the deep veins of the leg that can cause DVT. Finally, our physicians at our bundled payments surgical center will prescribe medications for you to take at home as you continue to improve your mobility in order to avoid blood clots during times of inactivity.
At the Nadora Healthcare, your health and rapid recovery is top of mind. We are focused on providing the highest level of safe healthcare that is possible. If you have questions or concerns about DVT, please do not hesitate to ask your doctor, your nurse, or any Nadora staff member. We want to answer your questions and make you feel comfortable with the care that you receive at our bundled payments surgical center.
Author: Dr. Scott Dhupar