Overview
Introduction
After surgery, acute illness, or a period of reduced mobility, venous blood can pool in the legs.
After surgery, acute illness, or a period of reduced mobility, venous blood can pool in the legs. A clot in a deep vein is a DVT; if part travels to the pulmonary arteries, it becomes a PE. Sequential compression devices (SCDs), also called intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), and walking reduce that stasis. They prevent clot formation; they do not dissolve a clot that may already be present. Safe prophylaxis begins with mobility, VTE risk, bleeding risk, limb assessment, and an authorized order or protocol. New unilateral leg findings or cardiopulmonary symptoms shift the priority from prevention to urgent evaluation.