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Ultrasound in the Intensive Care Unit pp 273–293Cite as

Intensive Care Unit Ultrasound for Venous Thromboembolism

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Part of the book series: Respiratory Medicine ((RM))

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism presents a diagnostic challenge for the critical care practitioner. Bedside ultrasound provides a rapid, noninvasive means of obtaining relevant information. The veins of the lower extremity can be quickly evaluated for deep vein thrombosis using compression ultrasonography. When non-compressible vessels are seen, the clinician can start anticoagulation confidently. Conversely, when all vessels appear patent, compressible, and without echogenic material, anticoagulation can be withheld. Bedside ultrasound also provides a rapid means of evaluating for other causes of shock. A limited bedside echocardiographic examination of the right ventricle allows the clinician to evaluate for presence or absence of signs consistent with pulmonary embolism. The speed, ease, and convenience of bedside ultrasound for evaluation of venous thromboembolism are extremely appealing and can improve daily clinical practice in the intensive care unit.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving St. NW #2A-68, Washington, DC, 20010, USA

    Genese Lamare M.D.

  2. Department of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving Street NW #2B-39, Washington, DC, 20010, USA

    Chee M. Chan M.D., MPH, FCCP

Authors
  1. Genese Lamare M.D.
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  2. Chee M. Chan M.D., MPH, FCCP
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Correspondence to Genese Lamare M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Providence VA Medical Center, Warren Alpert Medical School Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA

    Matthew Jankowich

  2. Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Warren Alpert Medical School Brown University, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA

    Eric Gartman

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Lamare, G., Chan, C.M. (2015). Intensive Care Unit Ultrasound for Venous Thromboembolism. In: Jankowich, M., Gartman, E. (eds) Ultrasound in the Intensive Care Unit. Respiratory Medicine. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1723-5_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1723-5_13

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-1722-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-1723-5

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