International angiology : a journal of the International Union of Angiology
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Clinical Trial
Duplex screening as a method of quality assurance of perioperative thromboembolism prophylaxis.
Improvements in thrombosis prophylaxis in both the operative and non-operative fields aim to reduce further the not inconsiderable residual risk of suffering a deep vein thrombosis or embolism. The goal of the study was to establish the part played in a quality assurance strategy by early diagnosis of a thrombosis and by knowledge of the hospital's internal patient-risk profile in order to counter the unpredictability of thromboembolic complications and make rational decisions about thromboembolism prophylaxis. ⋯ Duplex ultrasound screening for asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis thus proves to be a suitable instrument for internal hospital quality control in thrombosis prophylaxis. Its routine use can be recommended at least in high-risk patients, not only from the medicolegal aspect but also from the purely economic aspect.