DVT Prophylaxis Protocol

Reducing Blood Clot Risk After Joint Replacement

Postoperative complications occur in approximately 2% of individuals who undergo total joint arthroplasty. One of the most common surgical complications is deep venous thrombosis, or DVT, more commonly referred to as a blood clot.

Dr. Stewart's team works to reduce blood clot risk by treating patients prophylactically with an anticoagulant after surgery. The two main forms of anticoagulation used are aspirin and Coumadin.

Aspirin or Coumadin Based on Risk

The protocol uses a list of criteria to help determine which patients are at higher risk of developing a blood clot after surgery.

Risk Factors for Deep Venous Thrombosis

The attached protocol lists the following factors as increasing a patient's chance of developing a blood clot after surgery.

• Personal or family history of DVT or pulmonary embolism
• Cancer diagnosis or treatment within the past 6 months
• Previous major surgery within the past 4 weeks
• Blood clotting disorder, including Factor V Leiden, Protein C deficiency, or Protein S deficiency
• Use of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
• Tobacco use
• Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• Age greater than 70
• Obesity with BMI greater than 40
• Diabetes
• Congestive heart failure
• Coronary artery disease

Learn About Dr. Stewart's Surgical Specialties

As industry leaders, Dr. Stewart and his team help patients return to active lives through advanced orthopedic procedures and focused recovery planning.