How to prevent Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

As part of World Thrombosis Day we are joining the campaign to spread awareness about Venous Thromboembolism with a series of articles about this deadly disease. Learn more about preventing VTE and download our clinical evidence brochure for insights on Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC). 

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Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) which encompasses Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a largely preventable condition associated with a high rate of mortality and morbidity if left untreated.  There are approximately 10 million cases of VTE reported worldwide each year1 and these are associated with high economic and humanitarian cost.2

Primary risk factors for VTE are venous stasis, hypercoagulation and vessel injury; these are typically associated with any condition leading to immobility, surgery, trauma and a genetic predisposition to clotting.

In clinical practice, routine systematic patient risk assessment has become an inherent aspect of effective VTE prevention programmes. Preventative measures typically include pharmacological prophylaxis, intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices, Graduated Compression Stockings (GCS) and early mobilisation.  These can be used as stand-alone therapies, or for the highest risk patients, a combination of methods may be used concurrently to enhance benefit3.

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression, promotes a non-invasive form of of VTE prophylaxis.  It is a very well established, intervention with a convincing evidence base and few side effects. The use of IPC is indicated for use across a wide range of patients including those for whom anticoagulation is contraindicated. 

IPC mimics the natural movements of the leg or foot, most commonly by using inflatable calf-length or thigh-length compression garments, which simulate the mechanism of walking. If the use of a leg garment is not possible,  foot garments may be used as an alternative. There are many different garments and means of delivering intermittent pneumatic compression. All have the same aim of displacing blood from the deep veins and moving it in a proximal direction back into the central nervous system4.

IPC is considered an effective method of prophylaxis with recommendations that it should be utilized as part of an evidence-based strategy for VTE prevention5-9.

For further detailed information on causes, prevention and treatment of VTE, download the VTE Clinical Evidence summary.

  Download VTE Evidence Brochure

References:

  1. Jha AK, Larizgoitia I, Audera-Lopez C et al 2013. The global burden of unsafe medical care: analytic modelling of observational studies. BMJ Qual Saf 2013; 22:809-15
  2. House of Commons: Health Committee (2005). The prevention of venous thromboembolism in hospitalised patients. HC99. London
  3. Kakkos SK, Caprini JA, Geroulakos G et al. Combined intermittent pneumatic leg compression and pharmacological prophylaxis for the prevention of venous thromboembolism. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.  Wiley & Sonds. 2016.www.cochranelibrary.com
  4. Morris RJ & Woodcock JP. Evidence based compression.  Prevention of stasis and deep vein thrombosis.  Annals of Surgery.  2004; 239(2):162-171
  5. Guyatt GH, AKL EA, Crowther M et al (2012) For the American College of Chest Physicians. Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis Panel. Executive Summary: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th edition: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest.2012;141(2 Suppl):7S-47S
  6. Zhao J, HE M, Xiao Z et al (2012). Different types of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression devices for preventing venous thromboembolism in patients after total hip replacement.  Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, November 2014:11:CD009543
  7. National Institute for Clinical Excellence (2010). Venous Thromboembolism: Reducing the risk of VTE in patients admitted to hospital.  Available at: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG92
  8. Liew N, Chang Y, Choi G et al (2012) Asian Venous Thromboembolism Guidelines: Prevention of venous thromboembolism. International Angiology; 31(6):501-16
  9. Ho K, Tan J (2013). Stratified meta-analysis of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression of the lower limbs to prevent venous thromboembolism in hospitalised patients. Circulation, 128:1003-1020