Can Bloodletting Relieve Venous Blockage in DVT Patients?

Q: Can Bloodletting Relieve Venous Blockage in DVT Patients?

Hello, Shih-Chuan： To get straight to the point, the phrase "bloodletting prevents vascular blockage" mixes theories from both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine, and it is not commonly used in this way. <br>In TCM, bloodletting is aimed at removing stagnant

Does bloodletting prevent blood vessel blockage?

Ten months ago, I developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in my right leg due to tight bandaging from an injury.
After taking anticoagulants, a follow-up ultrasound two weeks later showed no embolism.
However, I later experienced pain in the back of my thigh, and my doctor diagnosed it as thrombophlebitis.
A vascular ultrasound indicated "vascular obstruction," suspected to be a thrombus.
When sitting, I feel a sharp pain when pressure is applied, and I can also palpate painful areas along the blood vessel, which feel like small cord-like structures indicative of "thrombophlebitis." I have seen both a cardiologist and a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for six months without improvement.
Can this condition be treated with bloodletting to relieve the vascular obstruction? Thank you for your response!

Lin Shih-Chuan, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/10

Dr. He Yujun reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Hello, Shih-Chuan: To get straight to the point, the phrase "bloodletting prevents vascular blockage" mixes theories from both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine, and it is not commonly used in this way.
In TCM, bloodletting is aimed at removing stagnant blood, which is referred to as "stasis." Stasis is blood that is outside of the blood vessels, while in Western medicine, a thrombus is a blood clot that forms within a blood vessel; the two concepts are not directly related.
Of course, certain schools of thought may allow for deeper theoretical connections, but I won't delve into that here.
However, if the pain point you are referring to involves the fascia between the muscles, TCM acupuncture can actually help relax and adjust the tension of the fascia, which can be quite effective in alleviating symptoms.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine department at Xinying Hospital offers such treatments.

Reply Date: 2016/05/10

More Info

Bloodletting, a practice rooted in ancient medicine, is often misunderstood in the context of modern medical treatment, especially concerning conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and thrombophlebitis. To address your question directly: bloodletting is not an effective or scientifically supported method for relieving venous blockage in DVT patients.

In your case, you have a history of DVT, which was treated with anticoagulants, and you are now experiencing symptoms consistent with thrombophlebitis. Thrombophlebitis occurs when a blood clot causes inflammation in a vein, often leading to pain, swelling, and tenderness. The management of this condition typically involves the use of anticoagulants to prevent further clot formation and to reduce the risk of complications such as pulmonary embolism.

The concept of bloodletting, which involves the withdrawal of blood from a patient to cure or prevent illness, is based on outdated theories of humoral medicine. In modern medicine, we understand that blood clots form due to a complex interplay of factors, including blood flow, blood vessel integrity, and the coagulation cascade. Bloodletting does not address these underlying issues and could potentially worsen the condition by causing further complications, such as increased bleeding or infection.

Instead of bloodletting, the recommended approach for managing thrombophlebitis and DVT includes:
1. Anticoagulation Therapy: Continuing the use of anticoagulants, such as warfarin or newer oral anticoagulants, is crucial. These medications help to prevent the formation of new clots and allow the body to gradually dissolve existing clots.

2. Compression Therapy: Wearing compression stockings can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow in the affected limb. This is particularly important in managing symptoms of thrombophlebitis.

3. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help alleviate pain and inflammation associated with thrombophlebitis.

4. Monitoring and Follow-Up: Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as necessary. If symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation may be needed, including imaging studies to assess for any complications.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Engaging in gentle exercises, staying hydrated, and avoiding prolonged periods of immobility can also help improve circulation and reduce the risk of further clot formation.

In summary, while bloodletting may have historical significance, it is not a viable treatment option for DVT or thrombophlebitis in contemporary medicine. Instead, focusing on evidence-based treatments and working closely with your healthcare provider will yield the best outcomes for managing your condition. If you have ongoing concerns or if your symptoms do not improve, it is essential to seek further medical advice to explore alternative treatment options.

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