Our blogs reflect information provided by vascular surgeons.

Two million Americans undergoing surgery are affected by Deep Vein Thrombosis

Patients undergoing surgery are at the highest risk for developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Six percent of individuals undergoing surgery develop deep vein thrombosis. DVT is the number one preventable killer in the United States. The Surgeon General recently released a white paper entitled "Call to Action," which solicits physicians, nurses, hospitals, manufacturers, and the American people to take an active role in preventing DVT. The Surgeon General's primary role is to provide appropriate information to reduce the risk of death, injury, and illness associated with deep vein thrombosis. The "Call to Action" places a spotlight on the need to prevent DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE). The Surgeon General report provides vital information regarding this critical health problem that causes enormous health consequences and an alarming number of deaths. Estimates suggest that up to 2,000,000 Americans each year contract DVT, and at least 100,000 deaths are directly related to DVT each year. Those who survive suffer chronic complica­tions that have a serious and negative impact on the quality of their lives. Without the joint efforts of all, the problem will only worsen as the population grows in the United States.

Venous thrombosis or blood clots occur in veins of the lower limbs. During the course of surgery, the patient is immobilized and their calf-muscles are no longer contracting which pushes the venous blood back to the heart. The type of surgery usually determines the time the patient is immobilized. The length of surgical time increases the risk for blood pooling and becoming stagnant. It's this pooling of blood that leads to clots forming along the inside lining of the walls of veins. Clots gradually grow in size to either partially or completely occluding a vein. As the clot develops and moves, the microscopic hair-like valves are damaged and become incompetent.

                         

As the clot passes through the one-way valves within the walls of the vein, the tiny valves may become permanently damaged or incompetent. Physicians usually refer to damaged valves as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or post thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Post thrombotic syndrome is a lifetime problem and greatly affects a person's quality of life. Worse, the clot may travel to the lungs, heart, or brain, where the patient may die from an embolus.

                  

The VENOWAVE represents a clear solution in preventing DVT for individuals undergoing surgery. The VENOWAVE is a Class II medical device and requires a written prescription by the patient's surgeon. The VENOWAVE is applied and worn directly to the calf-muscle throughout the surgical procedure and as long as 90 days after the surgery. The VENOWAVE effectively enhances the venous blood flow and reduces the chance of developing a DVT (blood clots) by 80%.

 

Take the 1^st Step, go to www.vasocare.net, and click-on the Deep Vein Thrombosis link. Learn how the VENOWAVE prevents DVT and saves lives. In addition, the VENOWAVE can help individuals suffering with Post Thrombotic Syndrome.

The 2^nd Step is about asking your surgeon to prescribe the VENOWAVE prior to your surgery.  The VENOWAVE represents real insurance in preventing DVT and PTS.