What are the most reliable detection methods for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism to be used as endpoints in trials of venous thromboprophylaxis?

Numerous considerations and controversies attend the question of which endpoints to use in venous thromboembolism prophylaxis trials. In this paper, a rationale is presented for a new approach that simplifies certain aspects of endpoint detection in deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism trials, and complicates others. The goal of this approach is to use reliably ascertainable endpoints that are clinically relevant and most probably predictive of clinical efficacy, in order to optimally inform the drug development process.