title: The utility of venous thromboembolism risk assessment models in general and vascular surgery.
abstract: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common postsurgical complication, the incidence of which can be reduced with the use of various prophylactic measures. Proper use of these measures requires an understanding of each individual patient's risk of VTE. Risk assessment models have been developed to aid clinicians in quantifying the likelihood of an individual VTE formation. In this review, we discuss several models of risk assessment for general and vascular surgery patients with a focus on both sensitivity and prospective validation by external sources. In addition, strategies to improve proper implementation of prophylactic measures are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Division of Vascular Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill.
authors.forename: Hari R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Division of Vascular Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill.
authors.forename: Ashley K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Vavra
authors.affiliation: Division of Vascular Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill. Electronic address: mkibbe@nmh.org.
authors.forename: Melina R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Kibbe