Key result
The introduction of non-invasive tests for suspected deep vein thrombosis led to a 6-fold increase in demand for limb examinations, with light reflection rheology reducing CFD scans by 23%.
Why the study?
Does the introduction of non-invasive tests (CFD and LRR) impact the workload for suspected DVT investigations compared to ascending phlebography?
Observational
No
Does the introduction of non-invasive tests (CFD and LRR) impact the workload for suspected DVT investigations compared to ascending phlebography?
The introduction of non-invasive imaging for DVT significantly increased the overall demand for investigations, though LRR served as an effective screening tool to reduce CFD scan volume.
Non-invasive DVT testing was associated with sharply higher investigation volumes; leaves open whether LRR screening meaningfully curbs CFD workload in routine practice.
Objective: To assess the impact of changing from ascending phlebography to colour flow duplex (CFD) scanning for the investigation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a District General Hospital and to determine the role of light reflection rheology (LRR) as a Preliminary screening tool for DVT. Design: Retrospective audit. Setting: Vascular Laboratory and Department of Radiology of the Countess of Chester Hospital, Chester, UK. Patients and methods: Audit and review of the all venograms done during the years 1989 to 1991 was undertaken. All the LRR and CFD scans done from 1991 (year of introduction in this hospital) to 1996 were audited and analysed. Outcome measures: Total number of various investigations done for suspected DVT in this hospital from 1989 to 1996 and their detailed analysis. Results: Four hundred and ninety-four venograms were performed between 1989 and 1991, of which 44% confirmed DVT. The least number of venograms was performed in 1991 ( n = 127), after the introduction of LRR. From 1991 through to 1996, the number of LRR scans increased from 90 to 697 and the CFD scans increased from 97 to 786. Conclusion: The audit revealed a 6-fold increase in demand for the examination of limbs for suspected DVT after the introduction of non-invasive tests. LRR continues to be a useful screening tool, reducing the number of CFD scans by 23%.
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Sudhindran et al. (1999) conducted an observational in Suspected deep vein thrombosis. Colour flow duplex (CFD) scanning and light reflection rheology (LRR) vs. Ascending phlebography was evaluated on Total number of various investigations done for suspected DVT. The introduction of non-invasive tests for suspected deep vein thrombosis led to a 6-fold increase in demand for limb examinations, with light reflection rheology reducing CFD scans by 23%.
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