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ASSESSING YOUR PATIENTS' VTE RISK

Risk factors for VTE in HR/KR surgery

VTE Risk Following Surgery

The risk of VTE during or after surgery is dependent upon the duration and nature of the procedure, as well as the patient's perioperative care. The risk of symptomatic VTE after hip replacement (HR) or knee replacement (KR) surgery is higher than in the general population and remains elevated for at least 2 months after surgery.3

If a patient undergoing HR or KR surgery has additional VTE risk factors, there is usually a cumulative impact on his or her overall VTE risk2.



hip replacement surgery

FACT:

VTE is the most common cause for readmission to the hospital following hip replacement surgery.2


VTE Risk Factors3

  • Surgery
  • Trauma (major trauma or lower-extremity injury)
  • Immobility, lower-extremity paresis
  • Cancer (active or occult)
  • Cancer therapy (hormonal, chemotherapy, angiogenesis inhibitors, radiotherapy)
  • Venous compression (tumor, hematoma, arterial abnormality)
  • Previous VTE
  • Increasing age
  • Pregnancy and the postpartum period
  • Estrogen-containing oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy
  • Selective estrogen receptor modulators
  • Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents
  • Acute medical illness
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Nephrotic syndrome
  • Myeloproliferative disorders
  • Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
  • Obesity
  • Central venous catheterization
  • Inherited or acquired thrombophilia

Approximately 1 in 3 patients presenting with VTE has an inherited thrombophilia, stemming from mutations or deficiencies in the coagulation system.6

Additionally, acquired thrombophilia can result from a breach of the vascular system caused by surgery or trauma, triggering a pathologic activation that leads to an imbalance within the coagulation system.12