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

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 . . .