Preventing DVT: A Perioperative Perspective

Abstract

In the absence of thromboprophylaxis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a significant risk for surgical patients especially those undergoing orthopaedic surgery and lengthy procedures (ICS 2002, SIGN 2002, Geerts et al 2004, ICS 2006, NICE 2007). Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is preventable; however it kills 25,000 patients each year in the UK. This article reviews relevant literature regarding thromboprophylaxis, and focuses particularly on the use of intermittent pneumatic devices (IPC) within the perioperative environment.