Abstract

We have developed a computer controlled system of strain gauge plethysmography for use as a screening tool for proximal segment venous thrombi which is simple to use, well tolerated by patients and extremely accurate. The computerised test was evaluated in 171 limbs of 163 symptomatic patients by comparison with subsequent ascending venography. Each of twenty occlusive proximal segment thrombi were identified, one non occlusive thrombus screened normal giving an overall sensitivity of 95.2%. The specificity of the test was 80% with a negative predictive value of 99.0%. The computerised system allows accurate screening for proximal segment venous thrombosis, and may permit more selective use of venography in the symptomatic post-operative limb.