Venous Thromboembolism Treatments (Venous Blood Clots) | MedStar Health

Advanced options to treat clots in the venous system

Venous blood clots can break loose and become a venous thromboembolism (VTE) that travels in the veins and puts you at risk for a pulmonary embolism or stroke.

The doctors in our specialized Vein program provide expert care to manage the growth of existing blood clots and prevent new clots from forming. We care for patients with venous disorders such as deep vein thrombosis at several locations throughout the region with medications and minimally invasive procedures.

Medications

Your doctor may recommend a blood-thinning medication that reduces your blood’s ability to clot. These anticoagulant medications may be taken as pills or as injections.

For some severe clots, your doctor may recommend placing a catheter to directly administer medication and dissolve a clot.

Minimally invasive treatments

Your doctor may recommend the following procedures:

  • Angioplasty, which widens veins to unblock a clogged vein

  • IVC filters, in which a special filter is placed within a vein that can prevent blood clots from traveling to your lungs or brain

  • Venous stenting, which supports the inside of the vein using a small wire tube called a stent

Vein program

Improve your appearance, decrease pain, and prevent serious complications caused by varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and other venous conditions with minimally invasive treatment from our vascular team.

Conditions

Anticoagulation (blood clotting disorders)

A hypercoagulable state, or blood clotting disorder, is when a blood clot forms and blocks the flow of blood to parts of the body.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

A blood clot that typically affects the legs and arms and can travel through the bloodstream to the heart, lungs, or brain and cause a stroke or pulmonary embolism.

Tests

Computerized tomography (CT) scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Fluoroscopy

A fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses a continuous X-ray beam passed through the body to create real-time, moving images of your internal structures.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology used to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Our locations

Distance from Change locationEnter your location

MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital

5601 Loch Raven Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21239

MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

201 E. University Pkwy.
Baltimore, MD 21218

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

7503 Surratts Rd.
Clinton, MD 20735

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

9000 Franklin Square Dr.
Baltimore, MD 21237

MedStar St Mary's Hospital

25500 Point Lookout Rd.
Leonardtown, MD 20650

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

3800 Reservoir Rd. NW
Washington, DC, 20007

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

110 Irving St. NW
Washington, DC 20010

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

18101 Prince Philip Dr.
Olney, MD 20832

Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute

Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.