Related Experiment Videos
Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
A V Persson1, R J Davis, J L Villavicencio
1Section of Peripheral Vascular Surgery, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts.
The Surgical Clinics of North America
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Surgical patients face risks of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Advances in ultrasound imaging aid in DVT prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, though it remains a significant postoperative complication.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism are significant risks for surgical patients.
- Postphlebitic syndrome can also develop following DVT.
- Ultrasonographic imaging has enhanced the understanding and management of DVT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in surgical patients.
- To highlight advancements in diagnostic and prophylactic measures for DVT.
- To discuss established treatment protocols for DVT.
Main Methods:
- Review of ultrasonographic imaging techniques including duplex and Doppler color flow imaging.
- Identification and discussion of key risk factors for DVT development.
- Evaluation of current prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for DVT.
Main Results:
- Ultrasonography provides a simple, painless, inexpensive, and definitive method for DVT diagnosis.
- Identified risk factors include prior DVT, malignancy, age, smoking, obesity, immobility, and general anesthesia.
- Heparin and intermittent compression devices are effective prophylaxis; heparin followed by warfarin remains the standard treatment.
Conclusions:
- Despite decreased incidence, DVT remains a significant postoperative complication.
- Aggressive prophylaxis is recommended based on the number of identified risk factors.
- While treatment has evolved, heparin and warfarin are the mainstay for DVT management.