Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Treatment

A DVT diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but deep vein thrombosis is very treatable, and early intervention makes a meaningful difference in outcomes. At Miller Vein, our board-certified vein specialists are experienced in identifying DVT through on-site ultrasound evaluation and coordinating appropriate treatment quickly so you are never left waiting for answers or next steps.

We see patients at eight convenient Michigan locations: Auburn Hills, Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Holland, Macomb, Novi, St. Clair Shores, and Troy.

You can learn more about deep vein thrombosis on our condition overview page.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If you develop any of the following symptoms, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. These may indicate a pulmonary embolism:

Some patients are better suited to fast DVT screening — your evaluation will tell us which.

• Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or tightness, particularly pain that worsens with deep breaths
• A rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Coughing up blood
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency. Do not wait to seek care if these symptoms arise.

Before your visit, take a look at insurance coverage and financing to see how coverage works.

Getting Evaluated at Miller Vein

If you are experiencing leg pain, swelling, warmth, or unexplained discomfort, the first step is a DVT evaluation. Miller Vein performs on-site duplex ultrasound, the gold standard diagnostic tool for DVT, at all of our Michigan clinic locations. Results are reviewed with you directly the same day. If a clot is identified, we coordinate your next steps promptly to ensure treatment begins without delay. For detailed information on what the evaluation involves, visit our DVT Blood Clot Check page.

Patient Stories to
Legs Like New®

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I was extremely happy with my results. I was treated with Sclerotherapy. Before and after pictures are incredible! I was very self-conscious about how my legs looked and always wore long capris in the summer to cover them. I wish I had done this sooner. The staff was very professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. They made me feel very comfortable.

— Diane D.

The front desk personnel were very professional and welcoming. I was seen by one of the most welcoming and patient ultrasound technicians. She was very pleasant and informative. She explained every step and made me feel comfortable throughout the exam. The doctor is the reason the office is so calm and welcoming. The doctor was informative as she explained the diagnosis and plan of care needed. I would definitely refer someone in need of their services.

— Brenda F.

Very friendly staff and very thorough. They explained everything as they went through the different steps during the appointment. I felt very at ease here. I am very happy I chose them.

— Angela H.

The staff is so friendly. They explain well before they do anything. Dr Miller is awesome. Explains treatment and plan of care in detail. Answers all questions thoroughly. Had a very good consultation.
Highly recommend.

— Barb F.

DVT Prevention: Reducing Your Risk

For patients who have had a DVT, reducing the risk of recurrence is a priority. For those with known risk factors who have not yet experienced a clot, proactive prevention is worth taking seriously.

Stay Active and Avoid Prolonged Immobility

The calf muscle pump plays a critical role in driving blood upward through the leg veins. Prolonged sitting or inactivity, such as during long flights, road trips, or periods of bed rest, allows blood to pool in the deep veins and significantly increases clot risk. Moving the legs regularly, even simple ankle pumps and short walks, makes a meaningful difference.

Wear Compression Stockings During High-Risk Periods

Graduated compression stockings reduce venous pooling during situations of prolonged inactivity. They are particularly recommended for long-haul travel, post-surgical recovery, and any period of extended immobility.

Follow Anticoagulation Instructions

For patients on blood thinners following a DVT, taking medication consistently and attending all follow-up appointments is essential.

Manage Underlying Risk Factors

Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, staying hydrated, and following your physician’s recommendations all reduce the cumulative vascular risk that contributes to clot formation.

Know Your Personal Risk Profile

Certain inherited clotting disorders, a history of prior DVT, active cancer, and other medical conditions significantly elevate DVT risk on an ongoing basis. Working closely with your care team to understand and manage your specific risk factors is the most important preventive step available.

DVT Evaluation and Treatment Locations Across Michigan

Miller Vein offers DVT blood clot ultrasound evaluations and DVT treatment coordination at eight convenient locations throughout Michigan. We see patients at:

• Auburn Hills
• Dearborn
• Grand Rapids
• Holland
• Macomb
• Novi
• St. Clair Shores
• Troy

Our clinics are open Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Our DVT
Treatment Options

The goals of DVT treatment are to prevent the clot from growing larger, reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism, relieve symptoms in the affected leg, and lower the risk of future clots. Treatment is individualized based on the location and severity of the clot, the patient’s overall health, and any underlying risk factors.

Anticoagulation Therapy Compression Therapy Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis Inferior Vena Cava Filter

Anticoagulation Therapy Compression Therapy Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis Inferior Vena Cava Filter

Anticoagulant medications, commonly known as blood thinners, are the primary treatment for the vast majority of DVT cases. These medications do not dissolve an existing clot, but they prevent it from growing larger and stop new clots from forming, giving the body time to gradually break down the existing one through its natural fibrinolytic processes.

The duration of anticoagulation therapy depends on the circumstances of the clot. DVT provoked by a temporary risk factor such as surgery or immobility may require three to six months of treatment. Unprovoked DVT, recurrent clots, or DVT associated with an ongoing risk factor such as a clotting disorder or active cancer may require longer-term or indefinite anticoagulation.

Graduated compression stockings are an important component of DVT management. Applied consistently, compression reduces swelling and helps prevent post-thrombotic syndrome, a condition that occurs when DVT damages the vein valves during or after the clotting event, leading to chronic venous insufficiency, persistent swelling, pain, and sometimes skin changes or ulcers in the affected leg.

Compression is typically recommended for a minimum of two years following a DVT diagnosis, and in some cases longer, to reduce the risk and severity of post-thrombotic syndrome.

For more extensive DVT, particularly large clots affecting the iliac or femoral veins that are causing significant symptoms, catheter-directed thrombolysis may be considered. This procedure involves inserting a catheter directly into the affected vein under imaging guidance and delivering clot-dissolving medication, called thrombolytics, directly to the clot. This targeted approach maximizes the effectiveness of the medication while minimizing systemic exposure.

In patients who cannot take anticoagulants due to bleeding risk, or who develop a pulmonary embolism despite anticoagulation therapy, an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter may be placed. This small device is inserted into the large vein in the abdomen that carries blood from the legs to the heart. The filter catches any clots that break free from the leg veins before they can reach the lungs.

IVC filters are a targeted safety measure rather than a treatment for the DVT itself, and anticoagulation is still recommended when it becomes safe to do so.

Board-Certified Specialists That Practice with Care

Our Dedicated Team

Dr. Rana Burek, DO

Jeffrey H. Miller, MD

Jennifer Malicke, DO

Krista M. Bannon, MD

Madeline Paquette, DNP

Michael E. Lulenski, MD

Robin Doak, CLT

Steven K. Wang, MD

Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Treatment