69% of Plastic Surgeons Are Not Taking DVT Preventative Measures
Deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a potentially fatal condition that can occur in even the healthiest individuals. Prevention can be as simple as knowing the risk factors and taking appropriate preventative measures. So why are there an estimated 5,000,000 DVTs and 500,000 pulmonary embolisms (PEs) in the United States per year, leading to 50,000 to 200,000 deaths?
Patients recovering from a surgical procedure are at high risk of developing a DVT, especially if they are immobilized during recovery or if they were put under general anesthesia. The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF) published recommendations for DVT prevention in 2002, listing pneumatic compression devices as the official recommendation for moderate- to high-risk patients. However a 2006 study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal revealed that of the plastic surgeons surveyed in the study, 38% weren’t even aware of the current published recommendations.
It’s a common belief that aesthetic surgeries have less risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), given that patients are often healthy and there are fewer risk factors associated with the procedures, but the numbers of VTE incidences in plastic surgery patients are surprisingly high. As many as 69% of plastic surgeons are not taking proper DVT preventative measures for their patients.
Mechanical prophylaxis devices, including the Circul8 One Vascular Therapy System, are the best options for those recovering from plastic surgery, as they are specifically designed for both in-facility and in-home use, and eliminate the dangers associated with pharmaceutical anticoagulants.
The Circul8 Pro is the first product designed for individual patient use to extend the continuum of care from the surgical facility to the patient’s home. It is portable and lightweight, with no tubes or cords, and utilizes a long-lasting rechargeable battery with one-button operation.
Also in the Circul8 One Vascular Therapy System is the VenaOne, a portable, lightweight, tubeless and cordless prophylaxis device specifically designed for the acute setting, with disposable, cost-effective covers and easily replaceable battery.
To learn more about the Circul8 Pro or VenaOne, contact a Precision Medical Products representative.