Prophylaxis

The prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis and concomitant pulmonary embolism is based on both medical and non-medical treatment. Since stasis of blood flow is a major risk factor all measures should be taken to mobilize patients as early as possible after operative or interventional procedures. Prophylactic treatment should be tailored to the risk of the individual patient. The current guidelines acknowledge the individual risk and recommend a standardized approach according to established risk factors. The following chapters discuss the individual risk of different treatment groups and finally provide a flow chart for prophylactic use of antithrombotic agents based on the current guidelines of the ACCP.