Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the leg, usually caused by prolonged immobility. When sitting for long periods, such as on a plane, the calf muscles do not contract and blood circulation decreases, allowing a clot to form. Part of the clot can break off and travel through the bloodstream as an embolism to the lungs, blocking vessels and causing a pulmonary embolism. Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include leg pain and swelling, while a pulmonary embolism causes shortness of breath, chest pain, and other issues. Both conditions are serious and require medical treatment.

1. Deep Vein
Thrombosis and
Pulmonary
Embolism
Yuling, Dzakiyyah, Yee En, Wanyi, Tricia, Kieren (TL03)

2. Normal blood flow in the deep
veins of the leg

3. But on the plane….

4. Man sitting
in an
airplane for a
long period
of time
What
could
happen
here?

5. What happens to the blood
flow when there is no
contraction of calf muscles?

6. Let’s zoom in

7. Accumulation of red blood
cells leads to the formation
of a thrombus (blood clot)

8. Eventually, a thrombus can
completely block the blood flow
through a vein
Build-up of pressure

9. Prolonged immobilization
Calf muscles do not contract and the blood circulation is
decreased
Secondary hypercoagulation will occur. It is an
abnormal process of blood clotting due to other risk
factors.
FYI – Primary hypercoagulation occurs due to genes.
Thrombosis will occur, forming a thrombus

10. Thrombus
A solid mass of blood
constituents (eg.
platelets, red blood cells)
Through the process THROMBOSIS, it is formed
within a vessel that obstructs the normal blood flow.

11. Venous Thrombi
:
• Eg. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A condition
Consistently blocks the
lumen of the vein over
a length of time.

12. Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
[DVT]
Pain or tenderness in area
Warmth in skin
Red or discoloured skin
Swelling of lower leg or vein

13. Places where
the thrombus
can occur

14. Femoral vein
Popliteal vein
Iliac vein

15. Part of the blood clot (thrombus) can
break off to join the bloodstream as an
emboli

16. Where can the
thrombus travel to?

19. Pulmonary Embolism
• Blockage of smaller vessels in the lungs
• Caused by Deep Vein Thrombosis, where the
blood clot in the veins break off and travel
through the bloodstream
• The blood clot will now travel to the heart
• From the heart, it will be lodged in the
vessel of the lung
• Hence, this is known as pulmonary
embolism

20. Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
(PE)
Shortness of breath
Sudden sharp pain in chest
Dizziness
Rapid/Irregular heartbeat
Coughing with blood
Referral to Doctor

21. Consequences of Pulmonary
Embolism
• More than 60% of total pulmonary
vasculature may be obstructed
• This can cause sudden death, acute right
heart failure (acute cor pulmonale) or
cardiovascular collapse.
• Other consequences include pulmonary
infarction and pulmonary haemorrhage.
• An uncommon case will be pulmonary
hypertension due to multiple emboli.

22. In conclusion….

23. Blood clot pulmonary embolism
Damaged lung tissue
Blood clot may travel to the lungs
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Leg swelling & pain

24. References:
• http://www.passmyexams.co.uk/GCSE/biology/veins.html
• http://copd.about.com/od/breathingtechniques/tp/10-Tips-For-Better-
Breathing-With-Copd.htm
• http://www.she-health-living.com/chest-pain-in-women.html
• http://www.gonopills.com/
• http://www.patient.co.uk/health/pulmonary-embolism
• http://www.naturalhouseremedy.info/2012/07/skin-discoloration-home-
remedy.html
• http://www.thrombosisadviser.com/en/image/?category=vte&image=ven
ous-thrombus-formation
• http://www.circulationfoundation.org.uk/help-advice/veins/venous-
thrombosis-dvt-air-travel/

25. References:
http://www.patient.co.uk/health/pulmonary-embolism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK5MeJuUQbs
Pictures –
http://www.abcteach.com/free/a/airplane1rgb.jpg
http://www.michellehenry.fr/transport4.htm
http://www.sirweb.org/patients/deep-vein-thrombosis/
www.zazzle.comhuman_circulation_system_poster-228541873606524350
http://www.bigveins.com/
http://jkerseyeportbio211.blogspot.sg/2011_04_10_archive.html
http://lungcancer.ucla.edu/adm_signs_bloodclot_lung.html