Prevention of Thromboembolism

Venous Thrombosis and Embolism in Obstetrics and Gynaecology*

“…In our Unit deep venous thrombosis complicated approximately 1 % of all operations and nearly 3% of major operations (abdominal and vaginal). Then, however, the renewed activity may be associated with the onset of thrombosis (Sharnoff, 1963;British Medical Journal, 1963). But despite the frequency of these complications, fatal embolism was rare.…”

“…If this is not prevented there may be little risk until walking is resumed. Then, however, the renewed activity may be associated with the onset of thrombosis (Sharnoff, 1963;British Medical Journal, 1963). If this view is correct, and and there is little doubt that certain clinical observations are in keEping, it becomes even more important to keep all hospital patients as ambulant as possible from the time of their admission, and to ensure that, while they are in bed, they pay strict attention to leg exercises and foot posture.…”

Low-Dose Heparin in Proximal Femoral Fractures:Failure to Prevent Deep-Vein Thrombosis

“…We chose 5000 units every 8 hours as there is some indication that patients with fractures require more heparin to acheive the same effect (Gallus et al 1973, Kakkar et al 1972. Sharnoff (1973) recommends that the first dose of heparin should be given as early as possible after the fracture and we have adopted this principle by restricting the admission of the patients to the trial to 6 hours after the fracture.…”

Pulmonary Embolism: A Most Underdiagnosed and Untreated Disorder*

“…Prophylactic anticoagulation has been advocated since about 1950 (4) but has not been widely adopted. Recently the concept has been revived (5–7). With mini‐dosages of heparin, anticoagulation is without undue risk.…”