Thromboembolic Events

Thromboembolic events

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

These are blood clots within the deep veins of the pelvis. Pelvis DVT may occur in women who have large uteruses; as a result of direct pressure on the veins causing compromised flow. Women who are taking hormone supplements are at greater risk for DVT. Blockage of the arterial inflow to the uterus by UFE may also contribute to stagnation and clotting of the venous drainage. DVT extending into the legs has not yet been reported, but there have been incidents of blood clots traveling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which presumably arose in the pelvis. Such blood clots and their effects are a well-known risk following many types of pelvic surgery, so UFE is quite similar to surgery in this regard.