Ultra-low dose intravenous heparin in the prevention of postoperative deep-vein thrombosis

Abstract

Heparin (1 IU kg-1 h-1) given intravenously for 3-5 days during and after operation in a double-blind randomised study, significantly reduced the frequency of deep-vein thrombosis detected by 125I-fibrinogen uptake, and pulmonary embolism. 22% (11/50) control patients and 4% (2/45) patients receiving heparin had deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Heparin administration was not associated with any increase in preoperative or postoperative bleeding.