Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis: Better Living Through Chemistry—Opposes

The risk for venous thromboembolic events after total joint arthroplasty is well known. Use of pharmacologic prophylaxis is recommended by many guidelines, but with pharmacologic prophylaxis comes the possibility of bleeding with a major surgical incision. With a new mobile compression device that can be worn in or out of bed, in the hospital, or at home, or a rehabilitation facility, the concern for major bleeding is eliminated, and the rate of venous thromboembolic events is similar to that of pharmacologic prophylaxis.

Keywords: deep vein thrombosis, total joint arthroplasty, bleeding, portable compression device, prophylaxis, compliance