Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot in one of the deep veins of the body, most often in the lower leg or thigh. Symptoms can include swelling, pain or tenderness, warmth, and redness in the affected leg, though some DVTs cause no symptoms. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute groups DVT and pulmonary embolism together as venous thromboembolism, or VTE.

The biggest danger is that part of the clot can break off and travel to the lungs. A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency; sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood after leg swelling needs immediate care. Risk factors include surgery, long periods of immobility, cancer, pregnancy, hormone-based medications such as some birth control, and implanted devices that sit inside a vein.

DVT is a common injury in drug and device litigation. Claims have alleged that hormonal contraceptives, testosterone products, and certain other drugs raised clotting risk without adequate warning. Device claims allege that products placed in veins, such as IVC filters and implanted port catheters, caused clots. In each case, the key questions are timing, other risk factors, and whether the label disclosed the risk.

If you were diagnosed with a DVT while using a drug or device under investigation, keep your ultrasound results, hospital records, and prescription or implant details. Our Bard port catheter lawsuit page covers one current device claim, and the blood clots and anticoagulant entries explain related terms.