Venous thromboembolism prevention resident survival guide
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Rim Halaby, M.D. [2]
Overview
VTE Prevention in Non Surgical Patients
Hospitalized Acutely Ill Medical Patients
Shown below is the indications and choices of VTE prophylaxis among acutely ill patients. If VTE prophylaxis is recommended, it should be administered for the period of immobilization or hospital stay. Do not extend the duration of the prophylaxis after the period of immobilization or hospital stay.[1]
| What is the risk of thrombosis in the acutely ill patient? | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| High | Low | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Is the patient bleeding or at high risk of bleeding? | No VTE prophylaxis | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Yes | No | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mechanical VTE prophylaxis For the period of immobilization or hospital stay only Graduated compression stocking Intermittent pneumatic compression | Pharmacological VTE prophylaxis For the period of immobilization or hospital stay only LMWH Low dose UFH, BID Low dose UFH, TID Fondaparinux | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Did the bleeding or bleeding risk subsides AND the patient is still at increased risk of thrombosis? | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Yes | No | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Initiate Pharmacological prophylaxis | Continue mechanical prophylaxis | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Critically Ill Hospitalized Patients
Shown below is an algorithm depicting the choices for VTE prophylaxis among critically ill patients. Note that routine ultrasound screening for DVT is not recommended among critically ill patients.[1]
| Is the critically ill patient bleeding or at risk of bleeding? | |||||||||||||||
| Yes | No | ||||||||||||||
| Mechanical VTE prophylaxis Graduated compression stocking Intermittent pneumatic compression | Pharmacological VTE prophylaxis LMWH Low dose UFH | ||||||||||||||
Cancer in Outpatient
Shown below is an algorithm depicting VTE prophylaxis among cancer patients. Note that, canxer patients with indwelling central venous catheters do not require VTE prophylaxis.[1]
| Does the patient have a solid tumor AND additional risk factors for VTE? | |||||||||||||||
| Yes | No | ||||||||||||||
| Pharmacological VTE prophylaxis LMWH Low dose UFH | No VTE prophylaxis | ||||||||||||||
Chronically Immobilized Patients
Long Travel
VTE Prevention in Non Orthopedic Patients
VTE Prevention in Orthopedic Patients
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Kahn SR, Lim W, Dunn AS, Cushman M, Dentali F, Akl EA; et al. (2012). "Prevention of VTE in nonsurgical patients: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines". Chest. 141 (2 Suppl): e195S–226S. doi:10.1378/chest.11-2296. PMC 3278052. PMID 22315261.