Deep vein thrombosis. Computer artwork showing blood clots in a leg (brown lumps,bottom right),caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT),moving to blood vessels in the lungs (blue,top right). DVT is the formation of blood clots in veins deep in the body. DVT can be provoked by situations that encourage sluggish blood flow,which increases the tendency of the blood to coagulate,such as prolonged bed rest,surgery,and long-haul flights. Part of the clot may become detached and cause a blockage in another area of the circulation (e.g. heart,lungs),which can have fatal results. Treatment is through monitoring and blood-thinning drugs to prevent further clotting |