The Prophylaxis of Venous Thromboembolism.

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most common cardiovascular condition, after myocardial infarction and stroke. Prophylactic measures in accordance with current guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of VTE and the associated morbidity and mortality. Until now, the German interdisciplinary, evidence- and consensus-based (S3) clinical practice guideline on VTE prophylaxis was based on a complete review of all pertinent literature available in MEDLINE up to January 2008.

[German S3 practice guidelines on prevention of venous thromboembolism--New and established evidence].

Any recommendations of the previous practice guidelines on prevention of venous thromboembolism have been put to the test and have been revised in the latest edition in case new evidence had become available. Recommendations which have proven themselves in clinical practice have remained unchanged such as algorithms for risk assessment, however there are now updates on the recommendations of novel oral anticoagulants for prevention of venous thromboembolism, on the use of mechanical prophylaxis, on heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and on prophylaxis in outpatients after surgical procedures.