Abstract
Aim : We investigated methods for detecting deep venous thrombosis (DVT) at the valve pocket for the prophylaxis of perioperative pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE).
Subjects : We applied the original standardized guidelines for the prophylaxis of perioperative PTE to 433 patients over a period of 6 months: of these 433 patients, 17 were classified under the highest risk group.
Methods : Lower extremity venous ultrasonography (LEVUS) was performed on these 17 patients.
Results : DVT was detected in the lower extremities in 9 patients, of which 5 had DVT at the valve pocket.
Conclusions : This study suggests that LEVUS is useful for detecting DVT at the valve pocket. Further investigation into early detection and treatment for small DVT is needed.
