Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 15, 2026

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
10:26

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Published on: June 2, 2015

18.1K

The Diagnosis and Management of Early Deep Vein Thrombosis

Vivak Hansrani1, Mustafa Khanbhai2, Charles McCollum2

  • 1Academic Surgery Unit, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Trust, 2nd Floor, Education and Research Centre, M23 9LT, Manchester, UK. vivak.hansrani@manchester.ac.uk.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|September 18, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is challenging, leading to costly litigation. Current UK diagnostic pathways for DVT often fail to address the root cause of symptoms after diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Diagnostics
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) diagnosis and management present significant challenges, with frequent diagnostic errors.
  • Litigation costs for the National Health Service (NHS) due to delayed DVT diagnosis and treatment are substantial.
  • Clinical diagnosis of DVT is often unreliable, and many hospital-acquired DVTs are asymptomatic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of current DVT diagnostic pathways in the UK.
  • To identify limitations in existing DVT diagnostic and management strategies.
  • To explore improvements for DVT diagnosis and treatment, addressing the root cause of symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current DVT diagnostic pathways in the United Kingdom.
  • Analysis of the utilization of clinical scoring systems, D-dimer assays, and ultrasound (US) imaging.
  • Assessment of the efficacy of DVT pathways in excluding DVT versus addressing underlying causes.

Main Results:

  • Current DVT diagnostic pathways in the UK rely on clinical scoring, D-dimer, and ultrasound.
  • These pathways are primarily designed to exclude DVT, not to address the underlying causes of symptoms.
  • A significant proportion of hospital-associated DVTs remain asymptomatic, complicating diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • Existing DVT diagnostic pathways require enhancement to move beyond simple exclusion.
  • There is a need to develop strategies that address the etiological factors of DVT symptoms.
  • Improving DVT diagnosis and management is crucial to reduce NHS litigation costs and improve patient outcomes.

Keywords:
Deep vein thrombosisDiagnostic pathwaySwollen legVenous thromboembolism

More Related Videos

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis06:45

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

Published on: February 10, 2023

16.7K
An In vitro System to Gauge the Thrombolytic Efficacy of Histotripsy and a Lytic Drug07:50

An In vitro System to Gauge the Thrombolytic Efficacy of Histotripsy and a Lytic Drug

Published on: June 4, 2021

3.2K

Related Concept Videos

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
449
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
420
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management01:30

Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
354
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management01:27

Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
602
Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:26

Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Varicose veins, or varicosities, develop when the valves in the veins, which control blood flow, weaken or damage. It causes blood to pool and the veins to enlarge. Understanding the clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and management options for varicose veins is crucial for effective treatment and relief.Clinical manifestationsClinical manifestations of varicose veins include a heavy, achy feeling or pain after prolonged standing or sitting. This discomfort can often be relieved by...
276
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
622