Quality of YouTube® videos on thrombolysis and thrombectomy for deep venous thrombosis

Abstract

Objective YouTube® has gained popularity as an unofficial educational resource for surgical trainees, but its content's quality and educational value remain to be evaluated. The aim of this study is to analyze the current content on these techniques for lower extremity DVT (LEDVT) on YouTube®. Methods A search was performed on YouTube® using 13 search terms in August 2022 on a clear-cached browser. Open-access videos focusing on the surgical techniques of venous thrombolysis or thrombectomy for LEDVT were included. Quality and educational value were assessed and graded based on metrics for accountability (4 items), content (13 items), and production (9 items). Results Out of 138 videos regarding LEDVT oriented towards medical professionals, only 14 met inclusion criteria. Videos ran for a median of 3.4 min (range 0.37–35.6 min) with a median of 941 views (range 106–54624). Videos scored a median of 5.5 (range 1.0–8.0) out of 11 for content, a median of 2.0 out of 6.0 (range 0.0–2.0) for accountability, and a median of 5.5 out of 9.0 (range 3.0–9.0) for production. Conclusion Few YouTube® videos focus on the technical aspects of DVT thrombolysis/thrombectomy, and they vary significantly in content with overall poor accountability and production quality.