Deep vein thrombosis

Abstract

The significance of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) lies in its potential to cause pulmonary embolism and post-thrombotic calf pump failure. Virtually all venous thrombi arise in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis. The incidence of DVT in the general population is approximately 0.5%. Where no preventative measures are employed, the incidence of DVT in general surgical patients over 40 years undergoing major surgery is 30% and 6080% in patients undergoing hip or knee replacement or surgery for hip fracture(b). In patients recovering from myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident, the incidence is 20-60%(b).