Detection and management of deep vein thrombosis.

The accuracy of diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis is significantly improved by combining clinical evaluation with other adjunctive methods, especially fibrinogen uptake tests, technetium scans, Doppler techniques and phlebography. Using these studies, early treatment with intravenous administration of heparin can be begun and in selected cases with long-term risks, warfarin is often useful. These same drugs, in different dosage schedules, may also be helpful as prophylaxis. With these methods of treatment, thrombectomy and caval interruption are required less often. If interruption of inferior vena cava flow becomes necessary, several new methods utilizing intracaval filters are proving to be very useful.