Useful measures in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis in the legs.

THE THREE PROBABLE FACTORS INVOLVED IN DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS ARE: (1) stasis, (2) alteration in the endothelium of the veins, and (3) alteration in the clotting mechanism of the blood.Control of stasis is assisted by elevation of the foot of the bed and by the use of washable elastic stockings and early ambulation, together with foot exercises. To prevent damage to the endothelium of the veins during operation, the heels should be elevated off the operating table by means of a small rolled towel in order to take weight off the calf muscles. The use of elastic stockings demonstrated in diagrams and some of the fallacies in connection with their use are outlined.