Original papers venous thrombo-embolic disease

A clinical trial designed to test the relative value of two simple methods of reducing the risk of venous stasis in the lower limbs during surgical operations, the danger of thrombosis, and a subsequent pulmonary embolus, with a survey of the problem

“…in diameter, by the insertion of a series of silk mattress sutures. This operation is claimed to give almost complete protection from pulmonary embolus (Spencer, Jude, Rienhoff, and Stonesifer, 1965 ;Little, Loewenthal, and Mills, 1966). It is admitted, even with this partial occlusion, that some chronic oedema of the lower limbs occurs.…”

Overview of the Management of Thrombotic Disorders

“…23 With such initial variations in practice, it is hardly surprising that results were not uniform when the use of heparin spread rapidly thereafter. For instance, Byrne 25 observed fatal embolism in 14% of patients treated for VT, whereas Little et al 26 found nonfatal extension or embolism in 11% of heparin-treated patients. Both used these figures to justify their preference for venous interruption rather than heparin therapy in patients with VT. 25,26 Subsequent experience has clarified some of these questions.…”

Therapeutics Xx.

“…Myocardial infarction is also associated with a higher risk of thrombosis (Murray et al, 1970;Nicolaides et al, 1971). The obese or very tall patient also seems to be more at risk than the patient of average build (Little et al,, 1966;Richards, 1966;Vessey and Doll, 1969;Naide, 1952). Oral contraceptives and pregnancy predispose to venous thrombosis (Vessey and Doll, 1969;Daniels et al, 1967)^ although this has been disputed (Drill and Calhoun, 1972).…”