Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a vein or artery that blocks your body's proper blood flow. In some cases, it can be life-threatening. There are two main types of thrombosis:

• Venous thrombosis occurs when a blood clot in a vein blocks the blood from the body returning back to the heart. This condition also includes deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, typically in the lower leg, thigh or pelvis and sometimes in the arm. A thrombosis may also lead to a pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot from another area of the body travels to the lungs, making breathing difficult.
• Arterial thrombosis involves a blood clot in an artery that blocks the blood flow from the heart to other parts of the body. It can become serious if it stops the blood flow to the brain or heart. Acute blood clot formation in an artery may also lead to organ or limb loss if not treated immediately.
  

Thrombosis: What you need to know

• The underlying cause of thrombosis may be difficult to uncover, though there are common risk factors. For some it may result from a surgical procedure, immobility or pregnancy; for others the cause may be obesity or a medical condition such as cancer.
• Symptoms for each person may vary. Many people experience pain, swelling, tenderness or numbness and weakness at the location of the thrombosis.
• Diagnosis may include a variety of tests, such as ultrasound or other imaging, blood clotting tests, or an angiography, which uses a contrast dye and imaging procedure.
• Your treatment plan will be based on your overall health, your medical history and the location of the thrombosis. It may include medicines to dissolve clots or blood-thinning medications called anticoagulants. For some, the surgeon may add a catheter tube or a wire mesh tube called a stent so the blood vessel remains open.

Why choose UF Health Jacksonville

We understand that when you need to have surgery, you want a specialist with expertise. At UF Health, our University of Florida surgeons have years of experience in the operating room and a success rate among the highest in the nation.

As a part of a leading academic medical institution, our team can also offer you the most advanced research-based treatments for the best possible outcomes.