Cardinal Health

Preventing Venous Thromboembolism: A Healthcare Professional Guide to Intervention 4 Anticoagulants An agent used to prevent the formation of blood clots. These include oral agents, such as warfarin, and others which are injected into the vein or under the skin, such as heparin. Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Venous thrombosis that occurs in the “deep veins” of the arms, legs, thighs or pelvis. Distal Refers to the part of the body that is further away from the centre of the body than another part. Foot Impulse Technology (FIT) The foot impulse system is designed to provide the advantages of ambulation to patients who are immobilised. Graduated Compression Stockings (GCS) Also known as anti-embolism stockings. Stockings are manufactured to provide compression around the legs at gradually decreasing pressures from ankle to thigh. Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) Low blood platelet count resulting from the administration of heparin (or heparin like agents). Despite having a low platelet count, patients with this condition are at high risk of blood clotting. Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) A method of prophylaxis that comprises of the use of inflatable garments wrapped around the legs, inflated by a pneumatic pump. The pump provides intermittent cycles of compressed air that alternately inflates and deflates the chambers on the garments, administering controlled pressure to the limbs, enhancing venous return. Post Thrombotic (Post Phlebitic) Syndrome Chronic pain, swelling, and ulceration of the skin of the leg that occurs as a consequence of previous venous thrombosis. Prophylaxis A measure taken for the prevention of a disease. Proximal Refers to a part of the body that is closer to the centre of the body than another part. Pulmonary Embolism (PE) A blood clot that breaks off from the deep veins and travels via the venous circulation to block the pulmonary arteries (arteries in the lungs). Most deaths arising from DVT are caused by PE. Thrombophilia The genetic or acquired prothrombotic states that increase the tendency to form venous thromboembolism. It is a condition that leads to a tendency for a person’s blood to clot inappropriately. Thromboprophylaxis Chemical and or mechanical measures taken to reduce the risk of thrombosis. Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Formation of blood clots in the vein. A clot that forms in a deep vein usually in the leg is called a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). If that clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs it is called a Pulmonary Embolus (PE). Together DVT and PE are known as VTE. Venous Thrombosis (VT) A condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a vein. Definitions.