Systematic Review and Cost Analysis of Routine Deep Venous Thrombosis Ultrasound After Thermal or Nonthermal Endovenous Ablation

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Duplex ultrasound (DUS) examination is performed following endovenous ablation of the saphenous vein to screen for thrombotic complications, this practice is endorsed by the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. However, this blanket approach to screening may not be cost effective or clinically indicated, as the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is low. The most common abnormal finding, endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT level I-II) represents extension of thrombus from the saphenous of <50% across the femoral or popliteal vein, which is thought to have a benign course regardless of intervention.