# Thrombus --- A **thrombus** (plural **thrombi**) is when a blood clot forms in a blood vessel. This is a problem because the thrombus can break off and form an [[embolus]]. **Thrombosis** is the formation of a clot. A **venous thromboembolism** or a **VTE** is a thrombus forms inside the veins. ![[clot.png]] ## Risk Factors Risk factors for developing a blood clot are generally aligned with conditions or state that allow blood to pool in the vessels. - Prior VTE - Age - Obesity - oral contraceptives or [[estrogen]] - Immobility, both long and short term - walking is so key, especially post op - traveling, especially in cramped vessels like airplanes - cardiac conditions - [[atrial fibrillation|AFib]]: the blood sort of pools a little - Being in a hypercoagulable state - [[pregnancy]] - [[surgery]] - [[joint replacement]], especially when bones are opened up there is a risk of marrow getting into the system and...triggering the clot I guess? It's definitely a risk for causing an [[embolus]] - abdominal surgery - [[heart valve replacement]] - especially if/when they fail ## Prevention • SCDs/TED hose- Educate!! • Make sure that they are on • Early detection • Anticoagulants heparin, lovenox • Leg elevation • Physical activity ## Treatment - thrombectomy - "nets" to catch any floating around ___