Venous obstruction

Venous obstruction refers to a blockage in a vein, impeding normal blood flow back to the heart. This condition can be caused by blood clots (thrombosis), external compression from tumors or masses, or structural abnormalities, leading to symptoms like swelling, pain, and skin discoloration. In vascular medicine, timely diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Ultrasound is a primary diagnostic tool for venous obstruction, allowing real-time visualization of blood vessels. Doppler ultrasound helps assess blood flow patterns and identify occlusions, while B-mode imaging reveals thrombus presence or extrinsic compression. Accurate ultrasound assessment aids in guiding treatment, including anticoagulant therapy or interventional procedures, ensuring optimal patient outcomes in vascular health.

Clinical Author

Dr. Emma Khabure is an experienced Family Physician in Kenya with a dedicated focus on point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) across clinical settings. Over the past 3 years, Dr. Emma Khabure has integrated ultrasound into everyday patient care, diagnosing and guiding management at the bedside. She is currently an Instructor at GUSI and serves in the Clinical Education and Quality Improvement team at GUSI.

In addition to clinical work, Dr. Emma Khabure is passionate about ultrasound education and capacity building. She has been involved in leading workshops and training programs locally, mentored trainees in ultrasound skills, and contributed to curriculum development in imaging and POCUS. Her academic interests in POCUS include the utilization of bedside ultrasound in resource-limited settings and integrating AI in ultrasound.

Dr. Emma Khabure sees ultrasound not only as a diagnostic tool but as an extension of the physical exam — empowering clinicians to make safer, faster decisions. Her goal is to expand access to high-quality ultrasound training globally, especially in resource-limited settings.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Emma Khabure enjoys traveling and family time which helps recharge and maintain balance in her day-to-day life.

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