Since they're lying down and largely immobile all the time, wouldn't some blood clot from the leg eventually break off and travel to the lungs?
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Patients who are immobilized and bedbound are given DVT prophylaxis with medications such as subcutaneous heparin or low molecular weight heparin (Lovenox, Fragmin etc.) unless there are contraindications to such meds.
Compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression devices are also used to help with blood flow.
If the patient cannot be placed on pharmacological prophylaxis and is high risk then an inferior vena cava filter can be placed which blocks clots from traveling to the lungs.
Compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression devices are also used to help with blood flow.
If the patient cannot be placed on pharmacological prophylaxis and is high risk then an inferior vena cava filter can be placed which blocks clots from traveling to the lungs.
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It is very common for more/less ANY hospitalized patient, especially patients in the ICU or in hospital for several days, to be given prophylaxis medication for VTE prevention (thromboprophylaxis) unless there is a contraindication.
Thromboprophylaxis typically consists of using either low-dose unfractionated heparin (LDUH), low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), or fondaprinux. Use of intermittent compression stockings are also often indicated, typically in combination with medication.
Low-dose unfractionated heparin (LDUH) primary uses- thromboprophylaxis for postoperative DVT and PE low-dose prophylaxis – major abdominothoracic surgery or at risk of developing thromboembolic disease, prophylaxis and treatment of PE, essentially can be used in any situation.
Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) aka Lovenox (enoxaparin), Fragmin (dalteparin), Innohep (tinzaparin)primary uses- thromboprophylaxis for abdominal surgery; hip replacement or fracture surgery; knee replacement, in medical patients, and for acute DVT with or without PE (inpatient), and acute DVT without PE (outpatient).
Fondaprinux primary uses- thromboprophylaxis for abdominal surgery; hip replacement or fracture surgery; and knee replacement.
Aggressive thromboprophylaxis greatly reduces risks of DVT and a coma patient would certainly be receiving very aggressive treatment.
There are numerous guidelines about the appropriate use treatment and prevention of hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism including (links for each are provided):
The Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism
The American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (8th Edition)
http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/conten…
Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
Circulation The American Heart Association
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/110/…
Preventing Hospital-Acquired Venous Thromboembolism
A Guide for Effective Quality Improvement
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/vtguide/vtguide…
Venous Thromboembolism in the ICU and Reversal of Bleeding on Anticoagulants
Critical Care Clinics
http://www.medicine.wisc.edu/~williams/a…
Thromboprophylaxis typically consists of using either low-dose unfractionated heparin (LDUH), low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), or fondaprinux. Use of intermittent compression stockings are also often indicated, typically in combination with medication.
Low-dose unfractionated heparin (LDUH) primary uses- thromboprophylaxis for postoperative DVT and PE low-dose prophylaxis – major abdominothoracic surgery or at risk of developing thromboembolic disease, prophylaxis and treatment of PE, essentially can be used in any situation.
Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) aka Lovenox (enoxaparin), Fragmin (dalteparin), Innohep (tinzaparin)primary uses- thromboprophylaxis for abdominal surgery; hip replacement or fracture surgery; knee replacement, in medical patients, and for acute DVT with or without PE (inpatient), and acute DVT without PE (outpatient).
Fondaprinux primary uses- thromboprophylaxis for abdominal surgery; hip replacement or fracture surgery; and knee replacement.
Aggressive thromboprophylaxis greatly reduces risks of DVT and a coma patient would certainly be receiving very aggressive treatment.
There are numerous guidelines about the appropriate use treatment and prevention of hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism including (links for each are provided):
The Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism
The American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (8th Edition)
http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/conten…
Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
Circulation The American Heart Association
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/110/…
Preventing Hospital-Acquired Venous Thromboembolism
A Guide for Effective Quality Improvement
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/vtguide/vtguide…
Venous Thromboembolism in the ICU and Reversal of Bleeding on Anticoagulants
Critical Care Clinics
http://www.medicine.wisc.edu/~williams/a…