Anaes SAQs · Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis
The pharmacological VTE prophylaxis agents
Primary — the LMWH (enoxaparin 40 mg OD), the fondaparinux 2.5 mg OD, the UFH 5000 U tds, the DOACs (rivaroxaban 10 mg OD for the ortho), the aspirin, and the novel factor XI inhibitors; the renal clearance, the bleeding risk, and the neuraxial timing.
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Prompt
Describe the pharmacological agents used for the surgical VTE prophylaxis, their doses, and their key advantages and disadvantages.
Question
Describe the pharmacological agents used for the surgical VTE prophylaxis, their doses, and their key advantages and disadvantages. (Question stem restated — the worked answers below carry the primary-source citations.)
References2ShowHide
- [2]Riediger C, et al. Aspirin for Venous Thromboembolism Prevention in Orthopaedic Surgery with Focus on Trauma and Arthroplasty: A Structured Evidence-Based Review of Randomised Trials, Guidelines, and Contemporary Practice Considerations. J Clin Med, 2026.PMID 42355718
- [3]Smitterberg CW, et al. Factor XI and XIa Inhibitors for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Review From Mechanism to Phase III Trials. J Arthroplasty, 2026.PMID 42264107