Abstract
Recently, the reported incidence of thromboembolic disease has been rapidly increasing not only in North America and Europe, but also in Japan.
We treated four cases of pulmonary embolism, diagnosed by lung perfusionscan. Each of our four cases had more than four risk factors for deep vein thrombosis. We subsequently started preventative treatment. Early post-operative physical activity (isometric calf, thigh, and hamstring contractions and deep breathing exercises) and elevation of the feet are routinely prescribed. A-V impulse and compression stockings are used in all patients.
Currently, we use heparin and warfarin for prophalaxis in most high-risk patients, in addition to the use of vena cava filter in some high-risk patients.
