A new ultrasound device small enough to snake through blood vessels is being used to dissolve dangerous clots faster, more easily and more safely than conventional methods, according to data being presented at the 18th Annual International Symposium on Endovascular Therapy (ISET).

I experienced a blood clot in my right leg after undergoing VAD therapy in 1995.  Upon diagnosing my blood clot I spent four days in the hospital and was put on heparin.  After leaving the hospital I was told that the clot had resolved.  About four years later I discovered that the clot had become "chronic."  It had sort of skinned over in my vein. I experienced mild pain and swelling.

It is well appreciated that persons with multiple myeloma have an increased risk of venous thrombosis. More recently, this relative risk has been shown to be increased further in these patients while on therapy with thalidomide and its derivatives. The mechanism of this increased risk for thrombosis has traditionally been attributed to traditional neoplasia risks for thrombosis, such as decreased mobility, surgical procedures, use of chemotherapy, and/or indwelling catheters.