Deep Vein Thrombosis and

Pulmonary Embolism

Yuling, Dzakiyyah, Yee En, Wanyi, Tricia, Kieren (TL03)

Normal blood flow in the deep veins of the leg

But on the plane….

Man sitting in an

airplane for a long period

of time

What could

happen here?

What happens to the blood flow when there is no

contraction of calf muscles?

Let’s zoom in

Accumulation of red blood cells leads to the formation of a thrombus (blood clot)

Eventually, a thrombus can completely block the blood flow through a vein

Build-up of pressure

Prolonged immobilization

Calf muscles do not contract and the blood circulation is decreased

Secondary hypercoagulation will occur. It is an abnormal process of blood clotting due to other risk factors.FYI – Primary hypercoagulation occurs due to genes.

Thrombosis will occur, forming a thrombus

Thrombus

A solid mass of blood constituents (eg. platelets, red blood cells)

Through the process THROMBOSIS, it is formed within a vessel that obstructs the normal blood flow.

Venous Thrombi

:

• Eg. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A condition

Lume

n

Consistently blocks the lumen of the vein over a length of time.

Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis [DVT]

Pain or tenderness in areaWarmth in skinRed or discoloured skinSwelling of lower leg or vein

Places where the thrombus

can occur

Femoral vein

Popliteal vein

Iliac vein

Part of the blood clot (thrombus) can break off to join the bloodstream as an emboli

Where can the thrombus travel to?

Pulmonary Embolism

• Blockage of smaller vessels in the lungs• Caused by Deep Vein Thrombosis, where the

blood clot in the veins break off and travel through the bloodstream

• The blood clot will now travel to the heart• From the heart, it will be lodged in the vessel

of the lung• Hence, this is known as pulmonary embolism

Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Shortness of breathSudden sharp pain in chestDizzinessRapid/Irregular heartbeatCoughing with blood

Referral to Doctor

Consequences of Pulmonary Embolism

• More than 60% of total pulmonary vasculature may be obstructed

• This can cause sudden death, acute right heart failure (acute cor pulmonale) or

cardiovascular collapse.• Other consequences include pulmonary

infarction and pulmonary haemorrhage.• An uncommon case will be pulmonary

hypertension due to multiple emboli.

In conclusion….

Blood clot pulmonary embolism

Damaged lung tissue

Blood clot may travel to the lungs

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Leg swelling & pain

References:

• http://www.passmyexams.co.uk/GCSE/biology/veins.html• http://copd.about.com/od/breathingtechniques/tp/10-Tips-For-Better-Bre

athing-With-Copd.htm• http://www.she-health-living.com/chest-pain-in-women.html• http://www.gonopills.com/• http://www.patient.co.uk/health/pulmonary-embolism• http://www.naturalhouseremedy.info/2012/07/skin-discoloration-home-r

emedy.html• http://www.thrombosisadviser.com/en/image/?category=vte&image=ven

ous-thrombus-formation• http://www.circulationfoundation.org.uk/help-advice/veins/venous-thro

mbosis-dvt-air-travel/

References:

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/pulmonary-embolismhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK5MeJuUQbs

Pictures –

http://www.abcteach.com/free/a/airplane1rgb.jpghttp://www.michellehenry.fr/transport4.htmhttp://www.sirweb.org/patients/deep-vein-thrombosis/www.zazzle.comhuman_circulation_system_poster-228541873606524350http://www.bigveins.com/http://jkerseyeportbio211.blogspot.sg/2011_04_10_archive.htmlhttp://lungcancer.ucla.edu/adm_signs_bloodclot_lung.html