Anderson FA Jr, Wheeler HB.
Venous thromboembolism. Risk factors and prophylaxis.
Clin Chest Med 1995 Jun;16(2):235-51

Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA.

Most deaths from pulmonary embolism can be prevented by providing adequate
prophylaxis for hospital patients who are at high risk for venous thromboembolism.
Physicians, however, must be able to identify high-risk patients (including those
with major trauma, hip or knee replacement, or pelvic fractures) and prescribe an
appropriate prophylactic agent for each patient according to his or her level of
risk. A number of prophylactic methods have been proven effective in the prevention
of venous thromboembolism, including low-dose heparin, low-molecular-weight
heparin, warfarin, graduated compression stockings, and intermittent pneumatic
compression of the legs.