Blood Clot Prevention
One complication that may develop after a patient has had certain types of surgery is blood clots. Blood clots may form in the lower legs or the lungs.
If the appropriate steps to prevent blood clots are taken in the 24 hours before and after surgery, the risk of blood clots can be reduced.
Different treatments are used after different types of surgery based on the recommendations of experts around the country. These treatments may include blood-thinning drugs, special stockings or mechanical devices that exercise the legs.
Not all types of surgery require treatment to prevent blood clots.
The table below compares Cedars-Sinai to other hospitals accredited by The Joint Commission around the nation. For additional information, click on the links in the table below.
| Blood Clot Prevention Following Surgery | Cedars-Sinai (Apr - Jun 2009) | All Hospitals Nationwide (Apr 2008 - Mar 2009) | |
| Top 10% Scored At Least: | Average: | ||
| Treatment prescribed to prevent blood clots following certain types of surgery Percent of patients having surgery who had treatment prescribed for preventing blood clots. (Treatment may be medication, stockings or mechanical devices for exercising the legs.) | 95% | 99% | 93% |
| Most appropriate treatment given to prevent blood clots Percent of patients who were given the most appropriate treatment to prevent blood clots, based on the recommendations of experts around the country for the surgery done. | 94% | 98% | 93% |
