Guidelines for Using Rivaroxaban For Prevention of Blood Clots After Surgery

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published a final guidance on the use of rivaroxaban for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (blood clots) in adults after having planned total hip replacement or total knee replacement surgery. 

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins in the leg, thigh, pelvis or arm.  The blood clot itself is not life threatening, however, if it becomes loose, it can be carried in the blood to another part of the body where it can cause venous thrombosis. If the blood clot reaches the lungs, known as pulmonary embolism, it can be fatal.

 

DVT occurs in over 20% of surgical patients and over 40% of patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery.  People having surgery to replace their hip or knee joint are at risk of venous thromboembolism because they are inactive during and after their operation.

Get free information about pulmonary embolism from the medical malpractice attorneys at Berger & Lagnese.  We specialize in these cases.