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 Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital - Smyth Building

5601 Loch Raven Boulevard
Smyth Building
Ste 303
Baltimore, MD 21239

443-444-3435

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

9101 Franklin Square Dr.
MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
Suite 212
Baltimore, MD 21237

443-777-1901

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

3800 Reservoir Road Northwest
Pasquerilla Healthcare Center
Building 4
Washington, DC 20007

877-367-2434

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Harbor Hospital

3001 South Hanover Street
Suite 216
Baltimore, MD 21225

410-261-8226

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

18101 Prince Philip Drive
Suite 5200
Olney, MD 20832

410-657-1947

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital

25500 Point Lookout Road
Ste 200
Leonardtown, MD 20650

240-434-4022

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital - Calvert Street Building

3300 North Calvert Street
First Floor
Baltimore, MD 21218

410-261-8226

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center - Physician Office Building

106 Irving Street NW
Physician Office Bldg.
Suite 3150 North Tower
Washington, DC 20010

202-877-0456

Insurance

MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.