Venous thromboembolism Health Dictionary

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Venous Thromboembolism: From 1 Different Sources

(VTE) the formation of a blood clot in a vein, which may become detached and lodged elsewhere. It includes deep vein thrombosis (see phlebothrombosis) and *pulmonary embolism. VTE is a leading direct cause of maternal death (see maternal mortality rate). See also thromboembolism.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Thromboembolism

The formation of a thrombus (BLOOD CLOT) in one part of the circulatory system from which a portion becomes detached and lodges in another blood vessel, partially or completely obstructing the blood ?ow (an EMBOLISM). Most commonly a thrombus is formed in the veins of the leg – DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)

– and the embolism lodges in the pulmonary (lung) circulation. PULMONARY EMBOLISM is a potentially fatal condition and requires urgent anticoagulant treatment (see ANTICOAGULANTS) and sometimes surgery. Extended periods lying in bed or prolonged sitting in a con?ned position such as a car or aeroplane can cause DVT; venous thromboses in the legs may occur after surgery and preventive anticoagulant treatment with HEPARIN and warfarin is often used. Similar treatment is needed if a thrombus develops. STREPTOKINASE is also used to treat thromboembolism.... thromboembolism

Central Venous Pressure

The pressure of blood within the right atrium of the HEART as measured by a catheter and manometer.... central venous pressure

Arterio-venous Aneurysm

An abnormal communication between an artery and a vein. It is usually the result of an injury, such as a stab or a gunshot wound, which involves both a neighbouring artery and vein.... arterio-venous aneurysm

Venous

Pertaining to the veins, or more broadly to include both venous AND lymphatic circulation.... venous

Venous Stasis

Having congested venous blood and lymph. Usually a larger condition effecting tissue or organ function, as opposed to the more vascular implications of venosities and varicosities.... venous stasis

Venous Ulcer

See under ULCER.... venous ulcer

Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage

a congenital abnormality in which the pulmonary veins enter the right atrium or vena cava instead of draining into the left atrium. The clinical features are those of an *atrial septal defect.... anomalous pulmonary venous drainage

Central Venous Catheter

an intravenous catheter for insertion directly into a large vein, most commonly the subclavian vein, during its passage under the clavicle, or the jugular in the neck. Such catheters can also be inserted into the femoral vein at the groin. They enable intravenous drugs and fluids to be given and intravenous pressures to be measured, which is often useful during operations or in intensive care. Central venous catheters must be inserted under strictly sterile conditions using a local anaesthetic.... central venous catheter

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis

the presence of thrombosis in the dural venous sinuses, which drain blood from the brain. Symptoms may include headache, abnormal vision, any of the symptoms of stroke (such as weakness of the face and limbs on one side of the body), and seizures. Treatment is with anticoagulants.... cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

Jugular Venous Pressure

(JVP) the pressure in the internal jugular vein, which is an indirect measurement of *central venous pressure (CVP) in the right atrium. In clinical practice the JVP is estimated by visual inspection at the bedside with the patient reclining at 45 degrees.... jugular venous pressure

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