Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms abnormally within a blood vessel. This clot stops the normal blood flow to and from the affected part of the body and depending on the size and location may result in other medical complications. Blood clots can form in arteries which are blood vessels that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Venous clots form in veins which are blood vessels responsible for channeling blood back to the heart. Blood clots that form in a particular location may at times break off and travel to other parts of the body. When this occurs, it is called an embolism. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) therefore refers to the conditions where blood clots forms in the veins and could potentially travel back to the heart and into the lungs. Various conditions may predispose a patient to the development of VTE – some of these factors are transient while others may be persistent.
The thrombosis service oversees the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of venous thromboembolism. Our team consist of clinicians, pharmacists and laboratory scientists who specialize in clotting disorders. Patients with suspected or confirmed VTE may be referred to our service where we will assess the factors contributing to the condition, the risk of recurrence and determine the most appropriate treatment modality as well as the duration of such treatment. Blood thinners such as warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran and heparin are commonly used to treat and prevent the recurrence of VTE.
We also provide anticoagulation monitoring services for patients on blood thinners in partnership with our specialist pharmacists. Additionally, we frequently work with other departments to develop protocols to prevent the development of blood clots using various prophylactic modalities.
