DVT Scan

POCUS is a quick bedside tool to check for signs of a blood clot in the leg veins of patients with suspected DVT. It's especially helpful while waiting for a formal ultrasound. We'll focus on four main veins: common femoral vein, great saphenous vein, (superficial) femoral vein, and popliteal vein.

What you're looking for:

Normal: If vein completely compresses with probe pressure → suggestive of no DVT
Abnormal: If vein does not compress fully → may suggest a clot
Note: veins are compressible, arteries are not

Important: There is a theoretical risk that compressing a vein with a clot could dislodge it and cause a pulmonary embolism. Always proceed with caution.

What You Need

Linear probe (high-frequency)
- Venous preset
Patient lying supine with leg slightly externally rotated and knee slightly bent (Frog leg position).
- This provides good access to the veins of interest and enlarges the vein, bringing it closer to the probe.

Visualization of DVT

1. Direct Clot Visualization

Sometimes you can see the clot in the vein, it may look like an echogenic (bright) mass
Older clots tend to be brighter and easier to see whereas acute clots may be hypoechoic (dark) or even hard to visualize, especially if pressed against the vein wall

2. Vein Compressibility

Apply pressure with the probe until the artery just starts to flatten.
If the vein collapses completely, that spot is likely clear.
If the vein does not fully collapse, it’s considered non-compressible and may contain a clot.

3. Colour Doppler

This can help assess blood flow through the vein. However, this technique still involves compression and should be used with caution if you're concerned about dislodging a clot.

Anatomical Landmarks

TBD

3-Point Ultrasound Method

TBD

DVT Scan

What You Need

Visualization of DVT

Anatomical Landmarks

3-Point Ultrasound Method

Important Reminders

Limitation

False Positives

DVT Scan

What You Need

Visualization of DVT

Anatomical Landmarks

3-Point Ultrasound Method

Important Reminders

Limitation

False Positives

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