Deep Vein Thrombosis UPPER EXTREMITY and Vascular Access
Deep Vein Thrombosis Upper Extremity and Vascular Access for a patient with, or the risk for, Deep Vein Thrombosis, also known as DVT, in the upper extremity requires the Clinician to evaluate additional facts and data. This page describes important factors for the Vascular Access Clinician to consider to reduce blood clot risk especially in the upper arms that could arise from PICCs and Midlines.
Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT
Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more veins located deep inside the body. While DVT occurs most often in the legs causing swelling, pain, and discoloration, DVT can also occur in the upper arms. Blood clots in the veins are cause for concern as they can be very serious. If a blood clot breaks free, it can travel through the veins in the body and eventually get lodged, blocking blood flow. For example, it can cause a serious condition called a pulmonary embolism, which is a blocking of the lungs.
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Blood Clots can occur in Legs and Upper Arms
Catheter to Vein Ratio must be less than 45% to mitigate the risk of DVT Upper Extremity
Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT Upper Extremity or Upper Arm
Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT Upper Extremity or Upper Arm and Vascular Access through a PICC or Midline can cause Deep Vein Thrombosis in the upper extremity as a result of the catheter taking up and occupying space in the vein. Vascular Wellness measures every vein to make sure the catheter to vein ratio is less than 45% to help mitigate this risk. Reasons for DVT are not known and this is not a typical outcome; however, when it does happen, the PICC or Midline should not be removed. American College of Chest Physicians, (CHEST) Guidelines specify that in regard to DVT Management, the catheter stays in place as removing and replacing could cause a new clot in a new location. Vascular Wellness follows the CHEST Guidelines whenever possible and also confers with the ordering provider to recommend best solutions. Most patients respond well to this therapy and can continue to use their PICC for the entire course of therapy.
Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT Upper Extremity and Vascular Access
Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT Upper Extremity and Vascular Access for an existing DVT patient requires additional skill, care, and consideration. In this situation, Vascular Access should not be created by the PICC and Midline procedure. Small Bore Internal Jugular Central Venous Catheter Line is the solution, with a Small Bore Femoral Central Venous Line as an additional alternative. Unlike another PICC or Midline which has the risk of the DVT Upper Extremity increasing in size, these central catheter lines help mitigate the possibility for additional clots or the clot breaking free and causing damage
Small Bore Femoral Line avoids the risk of an existing DVT increasing in size, additional blood clots, or existing clots breaking free.
Small Bore Internal Jugular Line avoids the risk of an existing DVT increasing in size, additional blood clots, or existing clots breaking free.
Vascular Wellness – Safe Vascular Access for DVT Upper Extremity Patients
Vascular Wellness provides Safe Vascular Access for DVT Upper Extremity Patients including those that either have DVT or risk of DVT. Vascular Wellness has the experience and expertise to place small bore central catheter lines at similar very high success rates and zero insertion related infections as we do with PICCs. In fact, Vascular Wellness has placed over 5,000 Small Bore Internal Jugular Central Venous Catheter Lines with no insertion related infections. Small Bore Central Venous Lines allow patients to travel across any care setting including in the privacy of their home. Placing different small bore lines at the bedside are just some of the many ways in which Vascular Wellness provides a superior, comprehensive Vascular Access Solution. We have the tools and training to provide the right Vascular Access at the Right Time, the First Time.
Need More than a PICC Service?
We offer timely, innovative, and advanced vascular access services at the bedside, with full administrative support, from skilled employees who care.
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We are Vascular Access Specialists and here to help and answer your questions.
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Vascular Wellness provides comprehensive, quality, timely, and innovative vascular access services, including standard and advanced line placement, pediatrics, program management, education, training, and infection control and prevention to all healthcare settings such as Tertiary Hospitals, Community Hospitals, Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals, Hospital at the Home Programs, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Surgical and Outpatient Centers, Hospice, and At-Home care. We support a 98+% Success Rate with 0% Insertion-Related Infection Rate across all lines, with an average response time of 3 hours. We help our clients improve patient outcomes, enable faster therapy, reduce costs, infections, and readmissions, decrease hospital length of stay, and reduce transportation expenses.
Office Address
Vascular Wellness
151 Quarrystone Circle
Suite 112
Cary, NC 27519
919-226-3694
Clinical Hours for Dispatch
Service Hours extend 2+ hours after Dispatch
Monday-Friday: 8am - 6pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8am - 3pm
Holidays: 8am - 1pm
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