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A Microfluidic Flow Chamber Model for Platelet Transfusion and Hemostasis Measures Platelet Deposition and Fibrin Formation in Real-time
Published on: February 14, 2017
All I want for coagulation
K P Nunn1, M R Bridgett, M R Walters
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
Insights
For long flights, compression stockings with or without aspirin or heparin are evidence-based for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Simple exercises also help reduce DVT risk in travelers.
Area of Science:
- Medical Practice
- Evidence-Based Medicine
- Travel Medicine
Background:
- Modern medicine relies on evidence-based practice.
- Applying evidence to unique patient scenarios, like Santa Claus's DVT risk, presents challenges.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a significant concern for air travelers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for DVT prophylaxis in travelers.
- To illustrate the difficulties in applying evidence to atypical clinical encounters.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for DVT prevention during air travel.
Main Methods:
- Searched Medline and Cochrane Library for DVT prophylaxis studies.
- Reviewed existing clinical guidelines for venous thromboembolism.
- Included relevant studies and those found in reference lists.
Main Results:
- Compression stockings are a primary evidence-based intervention.
- A single dose of aspirin or heparin can be used adjunctively with stockings.
- Encouraging simple in-flight exercises is also recommended.
Conclusions:
- Compression stockings, potentially combined with aspirin or heparin, offer the most evidence-based DVT prophylaxis for high-risk travelers.
- Simple exercises should be encouraged for all travelers on long flights.
- The case highlights the need for adaptable evidence-based strategies in clinical practice.
Abstract:
Evidence-based medicine underpins modern practice of medicine. This paper describes a fictional consultation between Santa Claus and a doctor regarding deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, giving a review of the evidence for DVT prophylaxis in travellers while exposing the difficulty in applying evidence to atypical clinical encounters. Medline and the Cochrane Library were searched, and guidelines reviewed. Keywords used were DVT, thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis and air travel-related venous thromboembolism. All relevant studies found, have been included in this review, with additional studies identified from the references in these articles. In conclusion, compression stockings, with or without a one-off dose of either aspirin or heparin, are the most evidence-based approaches for prophylaxis in someone with established risk factors for DVT prior to a long-haul flight. Simple exercises should also be encouraged.
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