Deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism: prophylaxis, diagnosis, and management

Thoracic surgery patients should be regarded at high risk for postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTE mechanical and pharmacologic prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin, or low-dose unfractionated heparin or fondaparinux (Arixtra) is therefore strongly recommended. Pharmacologic prophylaxis should be extended to 4 weeks after major cancer surgery. Pulmonary embolism should be always managed with anticoagulation, in addition to thrombolytic therapy, in patients presenting with cardiogenic shock or persistent arterial hypotension.