VTE Flashcards
what is VTE
- blot clot forms in vein which partially or completely obstructs blood flow
- includes DVT and PE
What is hospital acquired VTE
VTE occurs within 90 days of hospital admission
risk factors for VTE
- surgery
- trauma
- significant immobility
- malignancy
- obesity
- acquired or inherited hypercoaguable states
- pregnant
- postpartum
- hormonal therapy - HRT or COC
most common form of VTE
DVT
DVT usually occurs in the following two areas ….. but can also affect other sites
deep veins of legs or pelvis
symptoms of DVT
- unilateral localised pain
- swelling
- tenderness
- skin changes
- vein distention (swollen)
what is pulmonary embolism and how does it happen
commonly occurs when a thrombus, usually from a DVT, travels in blood (embolus) and obstructs blood flow to lungs causing respiratory dysfunction
symptoms of PE
- chest pain
- SOB
- haemoptysis
what tool is used if DVT suspected
2-level DVT Wells Score is used to estimate clinical probability of DVT
When would the Wells score indicate DVT is likely
DVT likely if 2 points or more
When would the Wells score indicate that DVT is not likely
Wells score 1 point or less = DVT not likely
What is D dimer and what is the test
- D dimer is a protein fragment that is made when a blood clot dissolves in the body
- High D dimer test = may have a blood clot
risk of VTE on admission to hospital
all pt to undergo risk assessment to identify their risk of VTE and bleeding on admission
what are the two methods of thromboprophylaxis
mechanical
pharmacological
mechanical thromboprophylaxis - what is it and who would you offer it to (2 choices)
- anti-embolism stockings that provide graduated compression and provide calf pressure of 14-15mmHg
- these should be worn day and night until pt is sufficiently mobile
- other choice is intermittent pneumatic compression
- do not offer stockings to pt admitted with acute stroke, or if they have conditions e.g. PAD, peripheral neuropathy, severe leg oedema or local conditions (e.g. gangrene, dermatitis)
pharmacological prophylaxis
- when is it used in most cases
- when to give in pt who are at high risk of bleeding
- considerations for people receiving AC treatment
- when using, in most cases, stat ASAP or within 14h admission
- pt with RF for bleeding should only receive when their risk of VTE outweighs risk of bleeding (e.g. acute stroke, thrombocytopenia, acquired or untreated inherited bleeding disorders)
- pt receiving AC treatment who are high risk VTE should be considered for prophylaxis if AC treatment interrupted (e.g. during peri-op period)
which anaesthesia should be used to reduce risk of VTE in surgical patients?
regional over GA if possible
which type of prophylaxis should be offered to pt with major trauma or undergoing cranial, abdominal, bariatric, thoracic, maxillofacial, ENT, cardiac or elective spinal surgery?
- mechanical prophylaxis
- e.g. anti-embolism stockings or intermittent pneumatic compression
- choice of which depends on factors e.g. type of surgery, suitability for pt, their condition
- continue prophylaxis until pt sufficiently mobile or discharged from hospital, or for for 30 days in spinal injury, elective spinal surgery or cranial surgery
which type of prophylaxis should be considered for pt undergoing general or orthopaedic surgery when risk of VTE outweighs bleeding risk?
- pharmacological
- choice depends on type of surgery’s suitability for pt, local policies
- LMWH suitable in ALL types of general and orthopaedic surgery
- unfractionated heparin preferred in pt with RI
…… is an option for pt undergoing abdominal, bariatric, thorax or cadmic surgery, or for pt with lower limb immobilisation or fragility fractures of pelvis, hip or proximal femur
- fondaparinux sodium
which drug is preferred for pharmacological prophylaxis in pt with RI
way to remember - give the shorter one
unfractionated heparin
UFH is shorter bc 3 letters
LMWH longer
pharmacological prophylaxis in general surgery should usually continue for…
at least 7 days post op or until sufficiently mobile
how long should a pt receive pharmacological prophylaxis if they have had major cancer surgery in abdomen
28 days
how long should a pt receive pharmacological prophylaxis in pt who have had spinal surgery
30 days
when should mechanical prophylaxis with intermittent pneumatic compression be considered?
- when pharmacological prophylaxis is contraindicated in pt undergoing lower limb amputation, or those with major trauma or fragility fractures of pelvis, hip or proximal femur
pt undergoing elective hip replacement should be given thrombopropjhylaxis with
- 3 main options
- 3 alternatives
- either LMWH for 10 days, followed by low dose aspirin for a further 28 days
- or LMWH for 28 days in combo with anti-embolism stockings until discharged,
- or rivaroxaban
- alternatives: apixaban or dabigatran
- alternative is pharmacological prophylaxis contraindicated: anti embolism stockings until pt is mobile