Incidence and Predictors of Postoperative Deep Vein Thrombosis in Cardiac Surgery in the Era of Aggressive Thromboprophylaxis

A considerable number (13%) of cardiac surgery patients develop otherwise silent DVT despite maximal thromboprophylaxis. Aggressive mechanical and pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis in this population appears safe and indicated. Whether routine postoperative DVS screening alters patients' outcomes and is cost effective remains undefined, but should be considered in case of a complicated-prolonged postoperative course.