Sato H, Izuta S, Misumi T, Matsuoka K, Masuda Y, Yaku H, Obara H.
Incidence and clinical characteristics of perioperative pulmonary
thromboembolism under the use of intermittent pneumatic
compression as a preventive measure]
Masui. 2003 Dec;52(12):1300-4. Japanese

Division of Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management,
Department of Cardio-pulmonary and Vascular Medicine, Kobe
University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017.
Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a crucial complication
characterized by rapid onset and a high mortality rate. There are
few reports concerning perioperative incidence of PTE and deep
vein thrombosis (DVT) among Japanese population. All surgical
patients excluding young patients for minor surgery were
equipped with calf- or thigh-length intermittent pneumatic
compression (IPC) device as a DVT preventive method during the
period of immobility. Incidence and clinical characteristics of
perioperative PTE and DVT under the use of IPC device were
analyzed at Kobe University Hospital. One patient developed
DVT and four patients developed PTE among the 6500 surgical
cases. All patients with DVT or PTE were 66 years or older, and
all patients were diagnosed by computer tomography, venography
and pulmonary angiography between 7 to 14 days after each
operation. One patient was surgically treated by embolectomy and
removal of intraarterial thrombus, and others were treated with
thrombolysis, anticoagulants and placement of vena cava filters.
For prevention of DVT and PTE, other preventive methods such
as anticoagulants and prolonged application of IPC should be
necessary.