Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolisms

Home » News & Knowledge » Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolisms

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolisms (PE) – what are they?

Deep Vein Thrombosis

DVT is a condition that happens when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. You can develop a DVT when sitting or lying down for long periods of time, such as during recovery from surgery or during a long airplane flight.

When you don’t move enough, the blood flow in your legs slows down and pools and blood clots can form. Symptoms of DVT can include:

Swelling
Redness of skin
Skin is hot to touch
Pain
Calf size difference (the affected leg usually being larger by comparison)

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

PE happens if a blood clot breaks off and travels through your bloodstream to your lungs, the clot can block a blood vessel in your lungs and cause damage to them.

Symptoms of PE can include:

Chest pain
Coughing / coughing up blood
Shortness of breath
Shallow breathing

Risk Factors for DVT/PE

Risk factors include:

Major surgery
Injuries that cause vein trauma, like fractures, muscle damage, long-bone breaks, and spinal cord injuries
Illnesses that lead to extended periods of bed rest and decreased mobility, like pneumonia and cancer
Obesity (people who are obese are two times more likely to develop VTE than people who are not obese)
Age (the risk of VTE begins to increase after the age of 40, and doubles with each decade beyond 40)
Jobs that involve sitting for long periods, like transportation, computer, and desk-based jobs
A history of VTE
Genetic conditions that cause abnormal blood clotting
blood vessel trauma
Neurological conditions that impact mobility, like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
Travel that requires long periods of sitting
Chronic heart and lung conditions, like congestive heart failure and obstructive pulmonary disease
Conditions that cause chronic inflammation, like arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome
High blood pressure
Metabolic conditions, like diabetes
Extended exposure to air pollution
A family history of VTE, especially in immediate family members like parents and siblings
Sitting for a long time, especially with your legs crossed
Estrogen-based medications, like hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Lack of physical activity
Smoking
Excessive, long-term alcohol consumption
Autoimmune conditions, like lupus and HIV

Preventing DVT/PE

Prior to any surgical procedure, your consultant will complete a Venous Thromboembolism Risk Assessment (VTE) to determine whether you are at high risk of developing a DVT/PE post-surgery. This includes factors mentioned above.

Your surgeon may then offer you anti-embolism stockings and/or anticoagulation medication (blood thinners) depending on your risk of developing VTE.

You can reduce your risk of developing DVT by keeping active and taking care on long haul journeys over 2 hours.

Case Studies

The case studies below are cases settled by Oakwood Solicitors involving DVT/PE allegations.

Case Study 1

The Claimant underwent bilateral varicose vein removal and was considered “high risk” on the VTE (Venous Thromboembolism) risk assessment. The Claimant was discharged without prophylactic medication (blood thinners) despite his high risk of developing blood clots.

16 days later, the Claimant began to develop right sided chest pain and attended the hospital. Despite the Claimants d-dimer readings being indicative of a blood clot, the Claimant was discharged with antibiotics.

4 days later, the Claimant again returned to the hospital and was diagnosed with bilateral Pulmonary Emboli and commenced on blood thinning medication for 6 months.

As a result of the failure to prescribe prophylactic medication, despite the Claimant being at high risk of developing a blood clot, the Claimant developed a pulmonary embolism and also suffered a 4 day delay on part of the hospital of diagnosing and treating the same.

The first Defendant, the consultant who had performed the varicose vein removal and failed to follow the VTE risk assessment, denied liability in full within their Letter of Response. In any event, the matter was settled for £17,500.00 on a litigation risk basis, this offer was drastically increased from the Defendants initial opening offer of £9,500.00.

The second Defendant, the NHS Trust, admitted liability in full for a 4 day delay in diagnosing and treating a pulmonary embolism and the matter was settled for £1,000.00.

Case Study 2

The Claimant underwent a left knee arthroscopy, debridement open patellar stabilisation and MPFL reconstruction on the 10 January 2017.

Following the procedure, the Claimant whilst still an inpatient, was prescribed anticoagulant medication. This was because the Claimant was at risk of suffering from a DVT and/or pulmonary embolism as she was immobile post operation.

The Claimant however was not prescribed any anticoagulant medication on discharge on the 14 January 2017 despite her continuing to be immobile. The Claimant subsequently experienced a pulmonary embolism on the 6 February 2017.

Supportive medical evidence was subsequently obtained which confirmed the Claimant should have been prescribed anticoagulant medication post discharge .

The Defendant denied liability. However, on receipt of our Letter of Challenge and offer of settlement, the Defendant accepted the Claimant’s offer of £7,500.00 in full and final settlement of the claim.

Case Study 3

The Claimant has suffered previous deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolisms and was previously on lifelong anticoagulation (blood thinners).

In August 2019, the Claimant underwent an elective paraumbilical hernia repair which was uneventful.

The Claimant later developed a post-operative infection that required a surgical incision and drainage of an abscess that had unfortunately developed, this required a further washout the following day. The Claimants anticoagulation medication was stopped during both procedures.

The Claimant was subsequently discharged without prophylaxis medication or advice to commence taking her usual anticoagulation medication, despite the Claimant requesting advice from the nurses given her medical history. She was advised to contact her GP and was discharged on a Friday night.

Despite the Claimants efforts to seek advice on restarting her medication, the Claimant was not prescribed the correct prophylaxis medication until 4 days had passed. The following week, the Claimant sadly developed bilateral pulmonary embolisms that required a further hospital admission, Alteplase infusion and avoidable pain and suffering.

The Defendant made a full admission of liability, a formal apology was provided to the Claimant and the matter was settled at £20,000.00 – significantly higher than cases of a similar nature.

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolisms

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolisms (PE) – what are they?