Prophylaxis of Venous Thromboembolism

Authors: Graham F Pineo Russell D Hull

Publish Date: 2005

Volume: , Issue: , Pages: 158-182

PDF Link

Abstract

There are now effective measures for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in most medical and surgical conditions Based on information from level 1 clinical trials and systematic reviews recommendations for the prevention of venous thromboembolism can be made for most circumstances encountered by the physician or surgeon Where such information is not available recommendations must be based on extrapolation from similar circumstances in which the risk reduction is known Unfortunately even when effective prophylactic agents are available they are commonly not applied particularly in medical patients at risk of venous thromboembolism Pulmonary embolism is one of the most preventable causes of death in hospital practice The ultimate goal of prophylaxis should be the elimination of fatal pulmonary embolism in medical and surgical patients a goal that at the present time is still unfulfilled

Keywords: