Publications

ABSTRACT

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the important causes of mortality in critically ill patients. Critically ill patients have unique risk factors for the development of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) namely immobilization, presence of venous catheters/extracorporeal devices, sepsis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability. Undiagnosed DVT can lead to the development of acute pulmonary thromboembolism. Pharmacological prophylaxis is initiated in the majority of patients. However, due to coagulopathy, pharmacological prophylaxis cannot be initiated in some of the patients. Ultrasound is one modality that helps in the early and real-time evaluation of critically ill patients and is one of the screening techniques in the diagnosis of DVT. Understanding the anatomy of the venous system helps in learning venous ultrasound. Ultrasound involves two-point, three-point, or whole leg ultrasound for lower limb DVT. Upper limb ultrasound is also necessary to rule out DVT.