VTE INFORMATION

Despite the Use of Today’s Preventive
Measures, VTE Still Happens. It’s Still
the Monkey on Your Back.

For many postsurgical orthopedic patients, venous thromboembolism (VTE) poses a significant health risk. VTE consists of 2 potentially life–threatening conditions:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Pulmonary embolism (PE)

Pulmonary embolism (PE)

These conditions can lead to long-term complications.


Hip Replacement Surgery

FACT:

VTE is the most common cause for readmission to the hospital following hip replacement surgery.1

Symptomatic VTE Risk Is Higher for Postsurgical
Orthopedic Patients Compared With the General Population
and Remains Elevated for at Least 2 Months Following
Surgery.1

Preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) via thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery is the recommended approach to minimizing the risk of complications.1,2



References:

  1. Geerts WH, Bergqvist D, Pineo GF, et al. Prevention of venous thromboembolism: American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (8th edition). Chest. 2008;133(suppl 6):381S-453S. doi:10.1378/chest.08-0656.
  2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons clinical guideline on prevention of pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty. http://www.aaos.org/Research/guidelines/PE_guideline.pdf. Published 2007. Accessed February 1, 2011.