A prospective comparison of the status of the deep venous system after treatment with intracaval interruption versus anticoagulation.

The safety and efficacy of caval interruption has been well demonstrated. Likewise, comparisons of caval interruption and anticoagulation have shown similar rates of mean and long term clinical outcome. One concern that continues to be voiced is whether or not anticoagulation enhances venous recovery and function. The present study compares outcome by impedance plethysmography, Duplex scanning and clinical sequelae at six months after the acute illness and treatment with either caval interruption or anticoagulation. The results show no significant differences between the two treatment groups.