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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
10:26
A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Venous thromboembolism. Risk factors and prophylaxis
1Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA.
Clinics in Chest Medicine
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Preventing pulmonary embolism deaths requires identifying high-risk hospital patients and administering appropriate prophylaxis. Effective methods include anticoagulants and mechanical compression to prevent venous thromboembolism.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Clinical Medicine
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of preventable hospital deaths.
- Effective prophylaxis is crucial for patients at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).
- Physician identification of high-risk patients and tailored prophylaxis are key to prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of prophylaxis in preventing fatal pulmonary embolism.
- To outline criteria for identifying high-risk patients for VTE.
- To review effective prophylactic methods for VTE prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of established prophylactic strategies for VTE.
- Identification of patient risk factors for VTE (e.g., major trauma, hip/knee replacement, pelvic fractures).
- Discussion of appropriate prophylactic agent selection based on patient risk.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary embolism deaths are largely preventable with adequate prophylaxis.
- Specific patient groups are identified as high-risk for VTE.
- Multiple effective VTE prophylaxis methods exist.
Conclusions:
- Adequate prophylaxis significantly reduces mortality from pulmonary embolism in high-risk hospital patients.
- Accurate risk assessment and appropriate prescription of prophylactic agents are essential.
- Proven methods include pharmacologic (heparin, warfarin) and mechanical (compression stockings, pneumatic compression) interventions.
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