DVT Prevention
And Duration Of Surgery

Why Are DVT Prevention Protocols So Important?

DVT is a serious, yet preventable public health problem. It has been estimated that about half of all PEs and two-thirds of all DVTs can be prevented if hospitals and surgery centers institute an effective DVT prophylaxis program. This puts the onus of DVT prevention squarely on the shoulders of hospitals and surgical centers.

Medical Experts Agree On 30 Minute Protocol

“...patients undergoing the longest procedures experienced a 1.27-fold increase in the odds of developing a VTE...” Learn More →
“The longer an operation, the greater the risks, and patients undergoing surgery lasting more than 30 to 45 minutes are considered a risk.” Learn More →
“Approximately 1 in 9 (11.3%) patients with Caprini score >8 had a VTE event.” Learn More →

Duration Of Surgery Is Critical

There are many factors that come into play when DVT risk is being assessed for patients. One of the most important factors is the duration of surgery. Generally, any surgery that lasts longer than 30 minutes requires some form of DVT prophylaxis. This is because when the limbs are immobilized for such a long period, the calf muscled do not contract and venous return to the heart does not take place. This causes stagnation of the blood, predisposing to clot formation.
Risk Level

Low Risk

Moderate Risk

High Risk

Highest Risk

Surgery Duration
< 30 Minutes
  • > 30 Minutes
  • < 30 Minutes
  • < 30 Minutes
  • < 30 Minutes
  • > 30 Minutes
> 30 Minutes
Patient Age
< 40 Years
  • < 40 Years
  • 40-60 Years
  • Both age groups
  • > 60 Years
  • > 40 Years
> 60 Years
Additional Risk Factors
Absent
  • Absent
  • Absent
  • Present
  • Absent / Present
  • Absent / Present
Specific risk factors present-previous VTE, malignancy, inherited hypercoagulable condition

Joint Commission states
Anticoagulants in ASC’s may
increase ER encounters and
life-threatening bleeding.

Studies show that patients are at
the highest risk 5-10 days post
surgery

VTE is a leading cause of prevent-
able hospital deaths in United
States

Case Studies

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Best Practices Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

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Surgical Duration and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism

There is a paucity of data assessing the effect of increased surgical duration on the incidence of ... Learn More →
Check All Case Studies