Definition of Thrombophlebitis:

Thrombophlebitis is swelling (inflammation) of a vein caused by a blood clot.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The following increase your chances for thrombophlebitis:

• Being hospitalized for a major surgery or with a major illness
• Disorders that make you more likely to develop blood clots
• Sitting for a long period of time (such as on a long airplane trip)

There are two main types of thrombophlebitis:

• Deep venous thrombosis (affects deeper, larger veins)
• Superficial thrombophlebitis (affects veins near the skin surface)