cardiac surgery and reduction of risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE)
Last edited 08/2018
NICE has given specific advice regardind cardiac surgery and reduction of risk of DVT/PE
- offer VTE prophylaxis to patients undergoing cardiac surgery who are not
having other anticoagulation therapy and are assessed to be at increased risk
of VTE
- start mechanical VTE prophylaxis at admission. Choose any one of:
- anti-embolism stockings or
- intermittent pneumatic compression
- continue until the person no longer has significantly reduced mobility relative to their normal or anticipated mobility
- consider adding pharmacological VTE prophylaxis for a minimum of 7 days
for people who are undergoing cardiac surgery and are not having other
anticoagulation therapy:
- use LMWH as first-line treatment
- if LMWH is contraindicated, use fondaparinux sodium
Reference:
surgery and reduction of risk of PE and DVT
anti-embolism stockings (Thrombo Embolus Deterrent (TED) stockings)