Reference Search
| Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism: Fourth ACCP Consensus Conference on Antithrombotic Therapy |
| Source: Clagett GP, Anderson FA, Heit JA, et al. Chest 108(4 Suppl): 312S-334S, 1995 |
| Summary: Recommendations made in this consensus paper are based on published clinical studies. The authors state that "[I]ntermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is an attractive method of prophylaxis because there is no risk of hemorrhagic complications… it is effective in reducing leg DVT in most general surgical patients and in high-risk surgical patients with malignant disease. It is also moderately effective in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery… In moderate-risk patients who are older than 40 years of age and are undergoing major operations, but who have no additional clinical risk factors… IPC would be a good alternative." The use of IPC is recommended in most types of surgery with patients from low to very high risk. "IPC would also be a good choice in higher-risk patients, particularly if they are prone to wound problems… In very-high-risk general surgical patients with multiple risk factors, combining the most effective pharmacologic methods with IPC offers excellent protection." |