What is the role of mechanical (nonpharmacological) methods of prophylaxis for VTE in nonsurgical patients?
In general, mechanical methods of VTE prophylaxis are inferior to pharmacologic prophylaxis. Mechanical methods are useful in two settings: (1) patients who cannot receive pharmacologic prophylaxis because their risk of bleeding is too high (this is often the case in some surgical populations); (2) patients who are at particularly high risk of VTE, or those for whom a DVT or PE would be catastrophic because of their comorbidities. These patients may in fact benefit from the use of concomitant pharmacologic and mechanical prophylaxis. Reference: 1.Geerts WH, et al. Prevention of venous thromboembolism: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (8th Edition). Chest. 2008;133;381-453.
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