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Updated: May 20, 2026

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
06:45

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis

Published on: February 10, 2023

Venous thromboembolic disease

Michael R Jaff1

  • 1Director, Vascular Medicine, Co-Director, Vascular Diagnostic Laboratory, The Heart and Vascular Institute, Morristown, NJ.

Ochsner Journal
|July 24, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Early diagnosis and evolving treatments for venous thromboembolism (VTE) improve patient outcomes. Advances in diagnostic imaging and outpatient therapies like low-molecular-weight heparins are key to managing this potentially deadly condition effectively.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Diagnostics
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common, potentially fatal disorder with significant risks if undiagnosed.
  • Many VTE patients present asymptomatically, complicating early detection and treatment.
  • Prompt diagnosis and therapy are crucial for managing VTE and preventing severe complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolution of diagnostic methods for VTE.
  • To discuss the advancements in VTE treatment strategies.
  • To highlight the impact of these changes on patient care and outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Venous duplex ultrasonography is the preferred diagnostic test for deep venous thrombosis.
  • Quantitative d-dimer levels aid in diagnosing venous thrombosis.
  • Helical computed tomographic scans have largely replaced ventilation-perfusion scans for pulmonary embolism diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Modern diagnostic techniques enable earlier identification of VTE.
  • Treatment paradigms have shifted from inpatient intravenous heparin to outpatient subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparins.
  • Evidence-based literature supports these therapeutic advancements.

Conclusions:

  • Diagnostic advancements have improved the early detection of VTE.
  • Outpatient treatment with low-molecular-weight heparins represents a significant evolution in VTE management.
  • These changes reflect a move towards more efficient and effective patient care for VTE.

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