Venous Thrombosis caused by procedures associated with a high incidence of thromboembolic complications
Understanding Venous Thrombosis caused by Procedures
A venous thrombosis is a blood clot in one of the veins, usually in the legs. It is a serious and dangerous health condition that can lead to death. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common, preventable cause of death in developed countries. It is estimated to affect 500,000 to 700,000 people in the United States each year.
Some medical procedures, including surgery, are associated with a high incidence of thromboembolic complications such as DVT. Thromboembolic diseases refer to the formation of a blood clot, or thrombus, within a blood vessel, blocking the flow of blood. Physicians and healthcare providers must take steps to decrease the risk of thromboembolism in patients who are scheduled for or who have recently undergone a procedure.
Risk Factors for Venous Thrombosis during Procedures
Not all medical procedures are associated with the same risk of thromboembolic complications. Some procedures involve a higher risk than others due to the increased frequency of immobility, trauma, and contact with foreign material. Areas of the body where the risk of thromboembolic complications is greater include:
- Abdominal and pelvic surgery
- Cardiac surgery
- Organ transplantation
- Trauma
- Cancer
- Urological procedures
- Neurosurgical procedures
- Vascular surgery
Patients who are predisposed to thromboembolic disease, such as those with a history of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation, obesity, or immobility are more likely to have an increased risk of developing a clot.
Preventing Venous Thrombosis
The most effective way to prevent the occurrence of venous thrombosis during a procedure is for healthcare providers to take steps to reduce the risk of the clot forming. This includes:
- Refraining from using the IV line if the patient is able to ambulate before the procedure
- Using leg compression devices, such as mechanical compression stockings, during the procedure
- Using anticoagulant medications before the procedure
- Administering heparin or aspirin during the procedure
- Elevating the leg periodically during the procedure
- Administering anticoagulants post-procedure
- Encouraging the patient to ambulate as soon as possible
Clinicians must be aware of the risk of venous thrombosis associated with each procedure to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to reduce the risk of the clot forming or worsening. It is essential to remember that the risk of clot formation in a patient undergoing a procedure can be mitigated by taking preventative measures.