Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis in the surgical patient is an important medical issue. Research has shown that DVT occurs frequently in hospitalized patients who have undergone general surgery, major gynecologic surgery, major urologic surgery, or neurosurgery. Though it is impossible to predict which surgical patients will develop a venous thromboembolism (VTE), it is important for medical consultants to have a working knowledge of the different risk factors and DVT prophylactic recommendations in order to reduce the risk of VTE. The following module discusses the clinical impact of DVT and reviews the various risk factors and prophylactic options. In addition, goals for VTE prophylaxis are outlined and methods for evaluating when to initiate prophylaxis and determining the length of pharmacologic intervention are provided using recent research and the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines.

To provide hospitalists with up-to-date information regarding the management of venous thromboembolisum prophylaxis in surgical patients.

This activity is designed for hospitalists. No prerequisites required.

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity. After completing the module, the participant should be able to:

1. Recognize the clinical impact of venous thromboembolism (VTE) on surgical patients.
2. Describe the risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing a VTE.
3. Discuss the prophylactic interventions proven to reduce the risk of VTE.

Accreditation Statement: The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement: The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)^™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Release date: August 1, 2007 Expiration date: August 1, 2009

Estimated time to complete activity: 1 hour

Full Disclosure Policy Affecting CME Activities: As a provider accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), it is the policy of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine to require the disclosure of the existence of any significant financial interest or any other relationship a faculty member or a sponsor has with the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) discussed in an educational presentation. The presenting faculty reported the following:

^*Assistant Professor, School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
^†Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.

Conflict of Interest: Dr Feldman reports having no significant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity; Dr Streiff reports serving as a consultant for Eisai, Inc; receiving honoraria from GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi-Aventis; and serving on the speakers’ bureau for Sanof-Aventis.

Off-Label Product Discussion: All faculty have indicated that they have not referenced unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices.

Address correspondence to: Leonard Feldman, MD, Assistant Professor, Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Park Building Room 307, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287. E-mail: .

Click here to download the references for this educational program.

The following is an interactive educational module designed to help you gauge your basic knowledge of the topic and then direct you to areas you may need to focus on. It consists of 3 sections: an unaccredited pre-test, a study program, and a CME post-test. All 3 sections must be completed to receive CME credit.