Percutaneous Transcatheter Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): What to Expect at Home

Your Recovery

The doctor made a small cut (incision) in your groin, the area between your abdomen and your thigh, to help treat a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The doctor put a long, thin wire into the incision. The doctor may have also used clot-dissolving medicine, small tools, or a tiny balloon or mesh to help break up the clot.

The doctor removed the wire and catheter, then closed the incision.

After the treatment, you will spend time in a recovery room. Your care team will watch your vital signs, such as your heart rate and breathing. You may need to lie flat without bending your legs for several hours. This is to help stop bleeding from the incision. You may be able to go home the same day. Your doctor will tell you more about what to expect.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Activity

• You can go back to your normal activities when you get home.

Medicines

• Take your medicines as directed. Never skip a dose or change the amount you take. If you have questions about your medicines, call your doctor or talk to your pharmacist.
• After you go home, you may need to take medicines to help prevent blood clots. You may need to take them for a short time or for a longer time.
• You may need to take medicines to prevent clots before any future surgery. Always tell new doctors about your blood clot history.
• Your doctor will let you know about any other changes in your medicines.
• You can take pain medicine at home if you need it. Your doctor will tell you what type of pain medicine to use.

Exercise

• Don't do strenuous activities or heavy lifting for several days. Your doctor may give you more instructions.

Other instructions

• You may need to wear elastic (compression) stockings. The stockings help to keep your blood flowing and stop clots from forming.
• If you smoke, try to quit. This will help you heal and also help to stop blood clots. Talk with your doctor if you need help to quit smoking.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the following:

• Swelling or pain that gets worse
• Weakness or numbness in your leg
• Bleeding from the incision or other places
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your doctor
• Symptoms of a blood clot, such as swelling, pain, warmth, and redness
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Chest pain (call 911)
• Symptoms that get worse or new symptoms