Prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism in thoracic surgery patients: Lack of guidelines or inappropriate implementation?

In patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery, implementation of the risk assessment form is affordable, and is highly effective in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and possibly pulmonary embolism (PE) as it is used for follow-up of anti-thrombotic prophylactic protocols' application. Information about VTE given to patients before surgery and on discharge still needs improvement. Further work should be done on our health systems if this potentially fatal and unsuspected condition is to become totally preventable.