Abstract:

Thromboembolism from a venous source continues to be of clinical significance with an annual incidence of 300,000 to 600,000 cases. These episodes of pulmonary embolism result in at least 50,000 deaths per year despite the use of effective prophylaxis and availability of noninvasive techniques to establish early diagnosis and treatment of thrombotic events. The main treatment modality continues to be effective anticoagulation, but this treatment may fail to control thromboembolism in 5% to 10% of patients, and anticoagulants have been associated with a mortality rate of up to 15%

Authors:

Ali F. AbuRahma, M.D., Yancy S. Short, M.D., West Virginia University, Charleston Area Medical Center, Charlston, WV

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