The Venous Institute of Buffalo - News & Events
Dr. Vasquez featured on WGRZ for a special report on deep vein thrombosis (DVT)January 28, 2008 |
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Deep Vein Thrombosis is a medical condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of a person's legs. NBC News reporter David Bloom died of DVT in 2003, after complaining of pressure behing his knees.
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Dr. Vasquez interviewed by WIVB for a report on the risk of blood clotsJanuary 17, 2008 |
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Minor leg injuries can pose a hidden danger. Even if a patient is laid up for a short-time. News 4 Medical Expert Doctor Peter Ostrow shows why we should be aware of the risk of blood clots.
A new report shows that leg injuries, a torn tendon or even a sprained knee or ankle, increase the risk of clotting in the veins of the leg. Vascular Surgeon Michael Vasquez wasn't surprised by that.
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Dr. Vasquez Featured in Buffalo Physician Magazine
November 17, 2008
Dr. Vasquez is featured in this months' Buffalo Physician magazine, discussing some of his clinical interests and his outlook on treating patients with venous disease.
Read the article here: Dr. Vasquez Buffalo Physician interview
Published with permission from Buffalo Physician magazine, University at
ACTING SURGEON GENERAL ISSUES CALL TO ACTION TO PREVENT DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS AND PULMONARY EMBOLISM.
Source: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/news/pressreleases/pr20080915.html
Monday, September 15, 2008
Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson. M.D., M.P.H., today issued a Call to Action to reduce the number of cases of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in the United States.
Galson urged all Americans to learn about and prevent these treatable conditions.
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism affect an estimated 350,000 to 600,000 Americans each year, and the numbers are expected to increase as the US population ages. Together, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism contribute to at least 100,000 deaths each year.
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in a deep vein, most commonly in the lower leg or thigh. The clot can block blood flow and cause pain, swelling, and skin discoloration.
In the most serious cases, deep vein thrombosis can lead to a pulmonary embolism- when part of the blood clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, where it can block a lung artery, causing damage to the lungs or other organs from lack of oxygen.
"Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms are often 'silent' conditions- they can occur suddenly and without symptoms," Galson said. "But we have made a lot of progress in understanding how these disorders develop and how to prevent, diagnose, and treat them. It's time to put this knowledge into action."
Researchers have found that in most cases, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism develop in people who have an inherited blood clotting disorder or other risk factor, and who experience a triggering event.
"Being hospitalized or confined to bed rest, having major surgery, suffering a trauma, or traveling for several hours can increase a person's risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism," Galson said. "We want to increase the awareness and knowledge of these potentially deadly conditions and encourage patients and health care providers to take steps to prevent them."
The Call to Action urges a coordinated, multifaceted plan to reduce the numbers of cases of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism nationwide. The plan emphasizes the need for:
- Increased awareness about deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
- Evidence-based practices for deep vein thrombosis.
- More research on the causes, prevention, and treatment of deep vein thrombosis.
The Call to Action resulted from a Surgeon General's Workshop on Deep Vein Thrombosis which was convened in May 2006. The workshop was co-sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health.
"Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are major public health problems, and NHLBI is committed to continuing to support important basic and clinical research to advance our understanding of these disabling and potentially fatal conditions," NHLBI Director Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., noted. "Research is shedding light on genetic factors and the role of triggering events, behaviors, and conditions that increase the risk of developing dangerous blood clots. It is imperative that clinicians and public health experts work together to translate this scientific evidence to save lives."
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) contributed to the Call for Action with the release of two new guides- one for patients and another for health care providers- on how to prevent dangerous blood clots. "Fighting deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is a team effort that involves health care providers and patients," said AHRQ Director Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D.
The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism 2008, is available at http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calls/index.html. To order, contact the NHLBI Health Information Center at 301-592-8573 or at NHLBIInfo@nhlbi.nih.gov.
