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Percent of surgery patients whose doctors ordered treatments to prevent blood clots after
certain types of surgeries
The rates displayed in this graph are from data reported for discharges July 2007 through June 2008.

Click on graph to view full size.


Why is this Important?
Certain surgeries increase the risk that the patient will develop a blood clot (venous
thromboembolism). When patients stay still for a long time after some types of surgery, they are
more likely to develop a blood clot in the veins of the legs, thighs, or pelvis. A blood clot slows
down the flow of blood, causing swelling, redness, and pain. A blood clot can also break off and
travel to other parts of the body. If the blood clot gets into the lung, it is a serious problem that can
cause death.

To help prevent blood clots from forming after surgery, doctors can order treatments to be used
just before or after the surgery. These include blood-thinning medications, elastic support
stockings, or mechanical air stockings that help with blood flow in the legs. Higher percentages

are better.

Percent of patients who got treatment at the right time (within 24 hours before or after their
surgery) to help prevent blood clots after certain types of surgery
The rates displayed in this graph are from data reported for discharges July 2007 through June 2008.

Click on graph to view full size.


Why is this Important?
Many factors influence a surgery patient’s risk of developing a blood clot, including the type of
surgery. When patients stay still for a long time after some types of surgery, they are more likely to
develop a blood clot in the veins of the legs, thighs, or pelvis. A blood clot slows down the flow of
blood, causing swelling, redness, and pain. A blood clot can also break off and travel to other parts
of the body. If the blood clot gets into the lung, it is a serious problem that can sometimes
cause death.

Treatments to help prevent blood clots from forming after surgery include blood-thinning medications,
elastic support stockings, or mechanical air stockings that help with blood flow in the legs. These
treatments need to be started at the right time, which is typically during the period that begins 24
hours before surgery and ends 24 hours after surgery. Higher percentages are better.

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