Dr. Robert Cutchen Albuquerque & Santa Fe

Meet Dr. Robert Cutchen

In 2009, Dr. Cutchen founded Albuquerque Vein & Laser Institute, a clinic dedicated solely to the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. His goal was to provide the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options all in the comfort of his office without the need for hospitalization. Our goal is to treat every patient the way we ourselves would hope to be treated.

Read Dr. Cutchen’s full bio here

Vein Treatments Albuquerque & Santa Fe

Vein Treatments

We provide our patients with the most advanced and comprehensive vein treatments. See the difference between before and after.

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Aesthetic Treatments Albuquerque & Santa Fe

Aesthetic Treatments

We utilize the power of advanced laser technology to treat a multitude of cosmetic concerns. See what a difference our treatments can make.

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Patient Resources Albuquerque & Santa FeDo you have a question?

Discover our FAQ pages to find your answers. If you still have a question, please call us at (505) 848-8346 and we will be happy to assist you.

Superficial Venous Thrombosis
Superficial-venous-thrombosis-albuquerque & Santa Fe

Superficial Venous Thrombosis

When blood clots form in veins close to the surface of the skin, this is a painful condition called superficial venous thrombosis.

If a clot, also called a thrombus, forms in one of the superficial veins close to the surface of the skin, you can experience symptoms like pain, redness, and localized swelling. These clots can also be associated with more concerning deep vein thrombosis.

What is Superficial Venous Thrombosis (SVT)?

What Causes Superficial Venous Thrombosis?

How is Superficial Venous Thrombosis Treated?

What Should I Do If I Am Concerned About SVT?

What Results Can I Expect?

Superficial Venous Thrombosis (also called Superficial Thrombophlebitis) means that a clot has formed in a superficial vein near the skin’s surface.

Common symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, and hardening of the vein where the clot has formed. You may feel pain in the affected limb.

Causes of superficial venous thrombosis vary from person to person and may include:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Long time spent sitting (e.g. on a plane)
  • Pregnancy
  • Varicose veins
  • Clotting disorders
  • Age greater than 60

 

Any of these factors can contribute to the risk of clot formation.

These superficial clots are typically uncomfortable but generally not dangerous unless the clot is quite widespread, enlarges or extends into the deep veins. Discuss these conditions with your doctor at Albuquerque Vein & Laser Institute.

Most cases of Superficial Venous Thrombosis respond to conservative treatments, including leg elevation, a compression stocking, and light exercise. Warm compresses and over-the-counter pain medications can relieve some discomfort.

In more problematic cases, Dr. Robert Cutchen may recommend treatment with an anticoagulant medication which is typically used for 6-12 weeks. These medications prevent further clot formation while the body strives to resolve the clot that is already present.

If you think you may have superficial venous thrombosis, it is best to get evaluated sooner rather than later.  We may be able to see you at Albuquerque Vein & Laser Institute, but you should be seen at Urgent Care or the Emergency Room if we are unable to see you.

Most patients find that the condition will usually resolve itself over time with conservative management. Warm compresses and over-the-counter medications can ease any discomfort you feel while you wait for the SVT to go away which often takes months.

Depending on what caused the condition, you may be at risk of having it recur, which is why a full evaluation is in order. If the SVT occurred in varicose veins, eliminating those veins can help prevent recurrence. Call our Albuquerque vein clinic to schedule an appointment.

Superficial Venous Thrombosis (also called Superficial Thrombophlebitis) means that a clot has formed in a superficial vein near the skin’s surface.

Common symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, and hardening of the vein where the clot has formed. You may feel pain in the affected limb.

Causes of superficial venous thrombosis vary from person to person and may include:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Long time spent sitting (e.g. on a plane)
  • Pregnancy
  • Varicose veins
  • Clotting disorders
  • Age greater than 60

 

Any of these factors can contribute to the risk of clot formation.

These superficial clots are typically uncomfortable but generally not dangerous unless the clot is quite widespread, enlarges or extends into the deep veins. Discuss these conditions with your doctor at Albuquerque Vein & Laser Institute.

Most cases of Superficial Venous Thrombosis respond to conservative treatments, including leg elevation, a compression stocking, and light exercise. Warm compresses and over-the-counter pain medications can relieve some discomfort.

In more problematic cases, Dr. Robert Cutchen may recommend treatment with an anticoagulant medication which is typically used for 6-12 weeks. These medications prevent further clot formation while the body strives to resolve the clot that is already present.

If you think you may have superficial venous thrombosis, it is best to get evaluated sooner rather than later.  We may be able to see you at Albuquerque Vein & Laser Institute, but you should be seen at Urgent Care or the Emergency Room if we are unable to see you.

Most patients find that the condition will usually resolve itself over time with conservative management. Warm compresses and over-the-counter medications can ease any discomfort you feel while you wait for the SVT to go away which often takes months.

Depending on what caused the condition, you may be at risk of having it recur, which is why a full evaluation is in order. If the SVT occurred in varicose veins, eliminating those veins can help prevent recurrence. Call our Albuquerque vein clinic to schedule an appointment.

If you would like to learn more about how to treat Superficial Venous Thrombosis, please call our office at 505-848-8346 today to schedule a consultation or fill out the form on this page and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you promptly.