Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition where a blood clot forms in a vein. This is most common in a leg vein, where it's known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A blood clot in the lungs is called pulmonary embolism (PE). The chance of developing them increases if you're admitted to hospital, are immobile or need surgery.
If you are a patient
At the start of your stay, your clinical team will assess your individual risk of developing VTE. If you are at risk, they will discuss what can be done to reduce it and offer you types of protection recommended by national guidelines.
You may be asked to wear ‘anti-embolism stockings’ reaching to your knees or thighs to reduce the risk of VTE. You should be shown how to wear them and advised to report any new symptoms in your feet or legs when wearing them, to a doctor or nurse. Your legs should be checked daily.
Some surgical patients may be given an inflatable sleeve around the legs. This inflates automatically at regular intervals to increase the blood flow from your legs.
Finally, your doctor may suggest an injection of an blood thinning drug called enoxaparin.
Updated March 2023
The information below provides further information on this topic: