Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT)
What Is SVT?
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, SVT is very common and caused by trauma to the superficial veins, usually by intravenous needles and catheters. For those who develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it is highly likely that they will develop SVT as well.
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, 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.
How Will I Know If I Have SVT?
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. This leaves these veins at risk of being exposed to trauma. 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 collagen and 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 Is SVT Treated?
Generally, these clots can be easily broken up and metabolized with the use of medication to prevent existing or future clots from forming. These medications will thin the blood or correct any particular clotting factors that are at work.
Can I have varicose veins after an SVT?
SVT is very common and caused by trauma to the superficial veins. These can be a result of varicose vein or cause varicose veins in the lower legs in the future.
Varicose veins as a result of superficial thrombosis can often be treated with minimally invasive interventions.
Our vascular surgeons provide patient advice tailored to each individual's needs.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out which varicose vein treatment is right for you.