How will the large clot in the leg break down?
Patient: After a vaginal hysterectomy the patient developed a severe blood clot in the leg from ankle to hip and clots in the lungs.  She was then given Coumadin and Fragmin.  Before release from the hospital her lungs were clear but the large clot remained.  After 2 weeks on Fragmin the Coumadin Clinic advised that the INR was within the safe range the and Fragmin could be discontinued.  How will the large clot in the leg break down and be released from the body and is the patient still in danger?  She is 41 and has asthsma, but no other recognized defects. Doctor: Hello and welcome to HCM,The drugs prescribed- coumadin and fragmin act by dissolving the clots in body.These drugs are monitored by INR.Thus, these drugs would have acted by dissolving the blood clots.The effectiveness of these drugs is monitored by INR within range.There is nothing to worry.The clots formed as complication of surgery however, the clots will not form once the patient becomes ambulatory or mobile.Thanks and take careDR Shailja Puri