In all situations consult or be familiar with the admitting trauma or intensive care team’s policies, the employer’s Venous Thromboembolism management guidelines and/or relevant national guidelines.
Chemical prophylaxis using Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated Heparin (UF) depending on medical risk profile is typically recommended.
Mechanical preventive strategies such as elasticated compression stockings or intermittent pneumatic compression may also be considered, however:
- evidence for benefit in post-acute settings in neurological patients is unproven, and
- they are associated with poor tolerance or local pressure effects.