When 55-year-old Geoff Partel began feeling discomfort in his right leg and shortness of breath, he didn’t think much of it at first. After all, he had always been active and healthy, and the pain felt manageable. But as the pain persisted, his wife encouraged him to seek medical attention. What they discovered changed his life forever.
“I thought it was just a muscle cramp or something minor,” Partel said. “But when I finally went to the emergency room, they told me it was much more serious than I ever imagined.”
Geoff went to Atrium Health Providence Emergency Department in south Charlotte. A team of doctors there quickly realized he was facing a serious and potentially deadly condition.
“They did a CT scan and an ultrasound,” Geoff recalled. “That's when the emergency room doctor came in, and I could tell by his demeanor that things were quite serious.”
Geoff had been suffering from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs, potentially leading to life-threatening complications. If left untreated, the clot could travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Partel’s case was serious — one of the clots had reached his pulmonary vein, posing an immediate risk to his health.
He was rushed to Atrium Health Pineville, where a team of experts were waiting to treat him. Dr. Hector Crespo Soto and Dr. Gregory Stanely, vascular surgeons at Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institutedeveloped a treatment plan that required a complex procedure to remove the clot and restore blood flow.
The Procedure and the Technology Behind It
Crespo Soto explained that while DVT is a relatively common condition, it can be extremely dangerous if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Without proper intervention, DVT can lead to severe complications, such as pulmonary embolism, stroke or even death.
“When a blood clot forms in the deep veins, it’s critical to address it before it breaks free and causes more serious complications, such as a pulmonary embolism,” Crespo Soto said.
In Geoff’s case, he had a pulmonary embolism and a large clot in the inferior vena cava (IVC) a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the heart.
“This could have easily been fatal,” said Crespo Soto. “If the clot dislodged and moved to his pulmonary arteries he could have died.”
The procedure required cutting-edge technology, including a minimally invasive device used to remove large blood clots from veins. This device uses a catheter inserted through a single access point to navigate the veins and remove the clot. The device also ensures that the clot is safely removed without the need for large incisions, reducing recovery time and complications.
“We use this technology because it provides a way to remove the clot with precision and minimal invasiveness,” Crespo Soto said. “In Geoff’s case, we were able to remove the clot without using thrombolytic drugs, which are typically required in some clot retrieval procedures. This minimized the risk of bleeding and made for a smoother recovery.”
The procedure was a success, and Geoff quickly began his recovery at Atrium Health Pineville’s expanded cardiovascular intensive care in the Palmetto Tower. The vascular surgery team ensured he was closely monitored, and he was able to return home a few days later.
"It’s comforting to know there’s a facility down there with good care,” said Partel. “If I have any other symptoms, I will likely just go to the one in Pineville."
Raising Awareness About Deep Vein Thrombosis
Geoff’s experience with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) underscores the importance of recognizing symptoms like swelling, pain, or redness in the legs and seeking medical attention promptly.
“The sooner we can intervene, the better the outcome. In Geoff’s case, the quick decision to get treated saved his life,” said Crespo Soto.
For Geoff, sharing his story is an opportunity to help others at risk of DVT.
“I didn’t realize how serious this could be until I was in the thick of it,” he said. “If my story can help someone else take action sooner, then it’s worth sharing.”
He also encourages being proactive with your health.
“It’s not just about physical health—it’s about taking the time to listen to your body and take care of yourself.”
While DVT takes a physical and emotional toll, Geoff has found comfort in knowing that the team at Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute was there to support him throughout his recovery.
“Life can change quickly, and it makes you realize how important it is to be grateful.”
