Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) refers to conditions in which unwanted blood clots form in the body. These clots include both Deep Vein Thromboses (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolisms (PE). A DVT is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body; most DVTs occur in the lower leg or thigh. A DVT is especially dangerous when it leads to a loose clot called an embolus, which can travel through the bloodstream and lodge in the lungs. When the clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow this is a PE -- a very serious condition. PEs damage the lungs, and some can cause death. Hospital inpatients can be at an increased risk for VTE -- for example, after major surgery or lying still in a hospital bed for a long period of time.
VTE is a common preventable cause of health care-associated morbidity and mortality. Approximately 1.15% of hospitalized patients undergoing surgery experience a VTE. This amounts to over 100,000 cases per year.
Goal: The Partnership for Patients estimates that 40% of VTEs are currently preventable. The goal set for hospitals is to reduce 50% of preventable VTEs by 2013. Over three years this would prevent 35,000 VTEs.
