Reduction in Fatal Pulmonary Embolism and Venous Thrombosis by Perioperative Administration of Subcutaneous Heparin

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Abstract
DURING prolonged general anesthesia and any period of limited mobility following surgery, thrombus formation may be initiated in the deep veins of the legs. Studies employing Radio-labeled fibrinogen or venography have revealed deep-vein thrombosis in 20 to 30 percent of patients who have undergone general surgery and in an even larger proportion of patients who have had orthopedic surgery.1 2 3 Most such thromboses are subclinical and resolve completely when mobility is restored, although some do produce permanent valvular damage and chronic venous insufficiency. A few, however, may travel to the lungs and, depending on how much of the pulmonary circulation is . . .