Social and economical effectiveness of non-invasive vascular examinations in the clinical management of thrombo-embolic disease.

In a retrospective study about the seven past years in our Hospital Center, we found that the number of X-ray venographies increased strongly from year to year until non-invasive examinations (Doppler and plethysmography and Real-time B-mode sonography) were widely used with a high sensitivity and specificity level. A new diagnostic algorhythm was then introduced in the clinical practice, X-ray venography being required mainly when an invasive treatment (thrombectomy, thrombolysis, vena cava interruption...) was planed, but not for the positive diagnosis. Thereafter, the number of X-ray venographies decreased. In that way, the cost of the diagnosis was significantly reduced as were risks and discomfort for the patient.