How to prevent DVT in bedridden patients?

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that develops within a deep vein in the body, usually in the leg. DVT usually occurs in a deep leg vein, a larger vein that runs through the muscles of the calf and the thigh. It can also occur in the pelvis or abdomen. It can cause pain and swelling in the leg and may lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism. It is important to know about DVT because it can happen to anybody and can cause serious illness, disability, and in some cases, death. The good news is that DVT is preventable and treatable if discovered early.

As per the National Centre of Biotechnology Information, surveillance studies have found that the absolute risk of DVT is 10%-20% among general medical patients and up to 40%-80% in patients having hip surgery, knee surgery, or major trauma.

Why does it occur?

• Blood clots are the major reason for DVT occurrence.
• Lack of movement: Sedentary lifestyle due to bed rest, obesity, or any other injury leading to long-term bed rest. Blood clots are formed when blood flow is restricted or slows down.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy leads to weight gain and increases pressure on veins in the pelvis and legs.
• Cancer: Some cancer increases substances in the blood which cause blood to clot.
• Autoimmune disease: Diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS) and lupus increase your risk.
• Increase in estrogen: Many women are prescribed birth control pills or hormone therapy after menopause. Increased estrogen causes blood to clot too easily.

What are the symptoms of DVT (deep vein thrombosis)?

• Throbbing pain in 1 leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh, when walking or standing up.
• Swelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs).
• Warm skin around the painful area.
• Red or darkened skin around the painful area – this may be harder to see on brown or black skin.
• Swollen veins that are hard or sore when you touch them.
• These symptoms can also happen in your arm or tummy if that’s where the blood clot is.

How to avoid DVT in bedridden patients?

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

• Get up and move around as much as possible. Even if you can only walk a few steps, it is important to keep your legs moving.
• If you are unable to get up, ask for help from a nurse or other healthcare provider. They can help you do range-of-motion exercises and make sure that you are comfortable.
• If you are prescribed compression stockings, wear them as directed. These stockings help to squeeze the legs and keep the blood flowing.
• If you are at high risk for DVT, you may also be prescribed anticoagulant medication. This medication helps to prevent blood clots from forming.
• Lack of movement is a major reason which leads to blood clotting. Regular stretching and exercises of calf muscles and legs can keep the blood flow from being restricted. Changing the patient’s position regularly helps. Maintaining a healthy weight is advised by doctors to such patients who are at risk of developing DVT.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of developing DVT while in the hospital. Lifestyle changes act as a preventive measure for many diseases.

How do Midmark Hospital Beds help Prevent DVT?

A study conducted by Annals of Medicine stated that DVT can lead to pulmonary embolism, and ICU patients are at high risk of DVT. The DVT prevention rate is one of the indicators of ICU care quality. The quality of care is dependent upon the patient’s rest and positioning factors. There are specially designed beds that have the function of raising the lower leg section through an electrical control. Midmark India through its years of research and patient-centric approach has designed beds for patient comfort. EX5800 and ANTECA beds come with a function of raising the lower leg section and upper leg section for calf elevation position. Such beds relieve the pressure on the patient’s leg and reduce the risk of DVT.

Get in touch with us to understand the full functionality of these beds. To request for demo please visit https://www.midmark.in/ or call 1800 22 8020.