Modern Blood Clot Removal: How Vascular Surgery Has Changed

Modern Blood Clot Removal: How Vascular Surgery Has Changed

For many years, treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) was limited to anticoagulation — commonly known as blood thinners. The goal was to prevent the clot from growing while allowing the body to gradually break it down over time.

Modern vascular surgery has changed that.

Today, treatment options may include catheter-directed thrombolysis (targeted clot-busting medication delivered directly into the clot) and, in selected patients, mechanical clot removal using minimally invasive endovascular techniques.

Some of the latest catheter devices function almost like miniature vacuum systems inside the blood vessel. Through a small puncture in the groin, we can guide these catheters directly to the site of the clot and physically remove it.

When patients present early and are appropriately selected, the results can be dramatic. Swelling improves, blood flow is restored, and in some cases the leg can look as though it never had a clot.

These same minimally invasive techniques can also be used in selected cases of pulmonary embolism. A catheter can be guided through the veins into the pulmonary arteries to remove clot from the lungs.

Not every patient requires clot removal. Careful evaluation, imaging, and risk assessment are essential. However, modern endovascular therapy has fundamentally changed what is possible in the treatment of DVT and pulmonary embolism.

As a vascular and endovascular surgeon in Singapore, my clinical focus includes advanced treatment of venous disease, DVT, and pulmonary embolism using minimally invasive techniques.

If you are searching for the best vascular surgeon in Singapore for blood clot treatment, early assessment and specialist evaluation are important.

World Thrombosis Day 2025

World Thrombosis Day — Blood Clots in 60 Seconds

Today is World Thrombosis Day. Here is a quick 60-second explainer on blood clots.

One in four people worldwide die from conditions caused by thrombosis. Blood clots often form silently, most commonly in the legs as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When blood flow slows — after surgery, long flights, illness or immobility — a clot can develop.

The danger is when a clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). Together, DVT and PE are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). Around 60% of VTE occurs in hospital, making it the leading preventable cause of hospital-related death.

In clinical practice, especially here in Singapore, vascular surgeons can remove the clot, restore blood flow, and prevent long-term damage using minimally invasive endovascular techniques. But awareness remains the key: recognising symptoms early saves lives.

Know the signs and symptoms of a blood clot:

• Leg swelling

• Pain or tenderness

• Leg discoloration

• Sudden shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Fainting or feeling light-headed

• A racing heartbeat

If these symptoms appear, seek urgent medical attention.