Dansby-Kelly AF.

Insight. 2009 Jul-Sep;34(3):18-20.


A pulmonary embolus (PE) is a blockage of the pulmonary artery caused by the formation of a clot. Fifteen percent of patients who develop a pulmonary embolus may die. What is the likelihood that the surgical ophthalmic patient will develop a pulmonary embolus during surgery? The risk is high, especially for patients with a multiplicity of health concerns, such as heart disease, diabetes, ischemia and obesity. Prophylactic measures are the key to managing the embolytic patient. The application of sequential compression devices (SCDs) is effective in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pulmonary embolus (PE). There has been controversy over whether it is necessary to use SCDs as prophylaxes to prevent a pulmonary embolus (PE) in the ophthalmic surgical patient. The patients who are at greatest risk are those who have procedures lasting 30 minutes or more and those who have a multiplicity of health concerns. In the ophthalmic world, little consideration has been given to using SCDs. The question is, "What would be the likelihood that an ophthalmic patient develop a pulmonary embolus (PE) during surgery?" The answer would be "high," especially in patients with medical histories with poor prognoses.