Deep vein thrombosis - Diagnosis and therapy

For diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis an objective visualising method is in dispensable (Duplex sonography, phlebography, MRI). The approval of several preparations of low-molecular-weight heparin made therapy easy: subcutaneo us injections of fixed doses which are mainly adjusted to body-weight allow safe and effective anticoagulation without the need of special laboratory testing. Mobile patients should he kept walking with compression of their l egs. Secondary prophylaxis consists of oral anticoagulation or alternativel y in low-molecular-weight heparin and compression stockings.