EMBOLISM
PREVENTION |
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Embolism can be prevented in high risk patients through
antithrombotic drugs such as heparin, venous interruption, gradient
elastic stockings, and intermittent pneumatic compression of the
legs. The combination of graduated compression stockings and low-dose
heparin is significantly more effective than low-dose heparin alone.
Gradient elastic stockings, also called anti-embolism stockings,
decrease the risk of blood clots by compressing superficial leg
veins and forcing blood into the deep veins. They can be knee- thigh-,
or waist-length. Many physicians order the use of stockings before
surgery and until there is no longer an elevated risk of developing
blood clots. The risk of deep vein thrombosis after surgery is
reduced 50% with the use of these stockings. The American Heart
Association recommends that the use of graduated compression
stockings be considered for all high-risk surgical patients.
Intermittent pneumatic compression involves wrapping knee- or thigh-high
cuffs around the legs to prevent blood clots. The cuffs are
connected to a pump which inflates and deflates, mimicking the
heart's normal pumping action and reducing the pooling of blood.
Intermittent pneumatic compression can be used during surgery and
recovery and continues until there is no longer an elevated risk of
developing blood clots. The American Heart Association recommends
the use of intermittent pneumatic compression for patients who
cannot take anticoagulants, for example, spinal cord and brain
trauma patients. |
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| EMBOLISM RELATED ITEMS |
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