The first line treatment for venous thrombosis is anticoagulation therapy or blood thinners. This type of treatment is used to prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism. The anticoagulant medications used are heparin, fondaparinux, and warfarin. Warfarin is the most commonly used anticoagulant for venous thrombosis, but the other two medications have been found to be just as effective.
Heparin is given as an intravenous or subcutaneous injection. It works quickly and is used to treat acute episodes of venous thrombosis. Fondaparinux is a new type of anticoagulant which is administered as a subcutaneous injection. It is equally effective, but has a lower risk of bleeding than heparin. Warfarin is given as an oral medication and works by blocking the production of Vitamin K, which is necessary for clotting. It takes several days to become effective, but is the most common anticoagulant used for long-term treatment of venous thrombosis.
In addition to anticoagulant therapy, other treatments may be recommended depending on the individual case. These may include compression stockings, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes such as avoiding long periods of sitting or standing still. Surgery may be recommended in some cases, such as if the clot is causing severe symptoms or if it is located in a critical area such as the brain or heart.
The main goal of treatment for venous thrombosis is to prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulant therapy is the first line of treatment for this condition, but other treatments may be recommended depending on the individual's situation.