Thrombosis prophylaxis

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most common cardiovascular disease. Prophylaxis according to guidelines can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality of VTE.

The risk of VTE should be considered in all patients with surgery, injury and acute disease (see also thrombosis). The indication should be determined individually and risk-adapted. A reliable test for estimating the risk of VTE does not exist. Estimation is based on the summation of exponential and dispositional risk factors. Three risk groups result for the VTE risk:

• low
• medium
• high

VTE prophylaxis measures include:

• Basic measures
• Physical measures
• Drugs

Basic measures:

• Early mobilisation daparinux
• Movement Exercises
• Instructions for self-exercises

Physical measures:

• Thrombosis prophylaxis stockings
• Intermittent compression therapy using apparatus

Medicinal measures

• Unfractionated heparin
• Low molecular weight heparin
• Fondaparinux
• Direct oral anticoagulants (e.g. rivaroxaban, apixaban)

1. Encke A et al. (2016) Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism. Dtsch Ärztebl 113: 532-538.
2. Haas S et al. (2016) [German S3 practice guidelines on prevention of venous thromboembolism--New and established evidence]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 141:453-456.