Venous diseases.

Abstract

Deep venous thrombosis and its sequelae, pulmonary embolism, recurrence, and the postthrombotic syndrome, affects a staggering number of patients. Deep venous thrombosis is a frequent postoperative complication, especially after certain orthopedic operations. Pulmonary embolism is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and the postthrombotic syndrome effects an estimated 500,000 Americans. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of thromboembolic disease is important, but prevention may be the key to lessening the number of patients with venous disease in the future.