Cancer Patients at Higher Risk of Developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

It is well known within the medical community that cancer patients have an increased risk of developing deep-vein thrombosis -- blood clots that develop in deep veins in the lower extremities. Did you know that more than 90 percent of patients with cancer may be at risk for DVT?  According to the Coalition to Prevent DVT, a majority of cancer patients were not aware of the increased risk for DVT and its potentially fatal complication, pulmonary embolism. In fact, complications from deep vein thrombosis are the second leading cause of death among cancer patients.
 If you or a loved one have cancer, it is most important to discuss your potential risk of deep vein thrombosis with your healthcare provider because blood clots can be prevented.
Cancer may put you at an increased risk for blood clots because:
•    Surgery or chemotherapy may injure blood vessel walls, causing the blood to clot
•    Certain types of cancer treatments may reduce the body’s ability to produce blood clotting agents called anticoagulants
Complications from DVT blood clots kill up to 600,000 people in the U.S. each year — more than AIDS and breast cancer combined.
If you have pain and swelling in your lower extremities, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible

Travel & Deep Vein Thrombisis (DVT)

While there is no direct link between travel and deep vein thrombosis, sitting for long periods of time could put you at higher risk especially if you have additional risk factors such as cancer, congested heart failure, are over the age of 40, are obese or are a smoker.
Whether you are traveling by plane, train or car, it is important to speak with your doctor about the potential risk of DVT and other health issues before you leave for your trip.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when traveling for more than four hours you should
•    Get up and move around every two to three hours
•    Keep hydrated and drink plenty of water
•    Reduce alcohol or caffeine consumption
•    Avoid crossing legs for long periods of time

Why is March Deep Vein Thrombosis Month?

March is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness Month. It's no coincidence, according to The Vascular Disease Foundation, that the month selected to raise awareness about this potentially fatal disease is the only month named with an action verb. Consumers need to take action to prevent deep vein thrombosis.
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in the deep veins in the legs. These clots can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially fatal deep vein thrombosis, Dr. William Julien, DVT, pulmonary embolism (PE). They can also cause permanent damage to the leg veins that result in long-term pain, swelling, change in skin color and skin ulcers.
The Vascular Disease Foundation says that DVT and pulmonary embolism affect more than 600,000 people every year. Some people experience swelling and varying levels of discomfort in the affected area, while others don't feel anything at all. The symptoms of DVT can be similar to a pulled muscle. Because some people with DVT don't have any symptoms, and because the symptoms can masquerade as a more benign ailment, there's often a delay in diagnosis. That's when DVT can be fatal. DVT/PE is the fourth leading cause of death in western society, with more fatalities than breast cancer, AIDS and traffic accidents combined.
Anyone can develop DVT. The more risk factors you have, the greater your risk. Risk factors include:
• Hospitalization
• Recent major surgery or injury
• Personal or family history of a clotting disorder or DVT
• Cancer and cancer treatments
• Immobility
• Prolonged sitting when traveling
• Obesity
• Smoking
When diagnosed and treated early enough, DVT isn't always life-threatening. Risk can be reduced by:
• Knowing your risk factors
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Not smoking

South Florida Vascular Associates Opens New Location in Boynton Beach, florida

Patients Residing in Palm Beach Communities Who Suffer from Vascular Diseases Can Now be Treated at our Newest Center of Excellence for Minimally Invasive Endovascular Care

Dr. William Julien and South Florida Vascular Associates are proud to announce the opening of a new location in Palm Beach County. Our new office is located at 10151 Enterprise Center Blvd. Suite 204, Boynton Beach, FL.

Dr. Julien is a board certified interventional radiologist who specializes in the treatment of vascular diseases using minimally invasive, endovascular procedures with imaging guidance. Minimally invasive techniques often replace the need for traditional open surgical procedures. They are generally easier for the patient because they involve no large incisions, less traumatic on the patient, less pain and shorter recovery times.

“We are pleased to offer our unique, comprehensive, endovascular services to the people of Boynton Beach and the surrounding Palm Beach communities,” says Dr. Julien who is one of the first interventional radiology physicians in the country to have an office-based clinical practice. His 8,000 square foot office in Coconut Creek, FL. is equipped with 3 in-office endovascular suites where he performs minimally invasive endovascular procedures that are traditionally done in the hospital. Unlike vascular surgery, which treats vascular disease with open surgery, endovascular surgery is a branch of medicine that treats disease processes through the vascular system, using catheter-based image-guided techniques.

“We look forward to working with our new patients and colleagues in Palm Beach County and welcome the opportunity to work together offering the community the best medical outcome,” said Dr. Warren Swee.

For more information call 561-752-5195 or visit www.southfloridavascular.com