Blood clots do serve a purpose: to stop you from bleeding profusely after a cut or injury. But your blood can also clump up into unwanted clots that may potentially obstruct the free flow of blood in a vein or arteries—a process known as thrombosis. Surgery, immobilization, cancer and various diseases and disorders can lead to thrombosis in critical areas of the body like the brain, heart and lungs.
NorthShore’s Thrombophilia Clinic focuses on the care of patients with a vast array of blood clotting conditions, including:
- Cancer-Associated Thrombosis
- Venous Thromboembolism: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)/Pulmonary Embolism
- Catheter-Associated Thrombosis
- Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
- Livedoid Vasculopathy
- Post Thrombotic Syndrome
- Sneddon Syndrome
- Splanchnic Thrombosis
- Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
- V Leiden Mutation
- Prothrombin gene mutation
- Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome
Prevention and Treatment
Whether it’s your first blood clot or one of several during your life, we provide advanced anticoagulant (blood thinning) management to customize your care and prevent future occurrences. Additionally, we provide peri-operative anticoagulation suggestions for patients with chronic blood clots as well as for those who need a surgery and are at high risk of thrombosis. For instance, prevention strategies are often required for elective procedures such as orthopaedic or cardiac surgeries that can put you at higher risk for a blood clot. Our team can also provide follow-up services for inferior vena cava filters and define the adequate anticoagulation so that removal can be considered.
Genetic Testing
Abnormal blood clotting can sometimes to be linked to mutations in clotting factors passed down in families. Genetic thrombophilia or having an inherited genetic predisposition may increase your risk for developing blood clots. At NorthShore, our vascular medicine specialists utilize the comprehensive genetic testing and analysis services of the Mark R. Neaman Center for Personalized Medicine to evaluate patients for inherited clotting disorders. Understanding your family history allows our specialists to provide prevention strategies customized to your unique situation.
For More Information
To schedule an appointment with one of our vascular medicine specialists, please call 847.663.8050.