The Management of Venous Thromboembolism and Other Clotting Disorders

Course overview

Hypercoagulability disorder is a highly prevalent clinical condition characterized by abnormal blood coagulation, which leads to thrombosis inside the blood vessels. The most common clinical manifestations are deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE); both are types of venous thromboembolism (VTE). DVT may result from the formation of blood clots in the peripheral vascular bed. PE is a life-threatening condition caused by blockage in major pulmonary vessels that rapidly progresses to cardiogenic shock, circulatory failure, and death. VTE can also occur in other sites, including the veins in the brain, kidneys, liver, mesenteric circulation, arms, and legs. The challenge in managing hypercoagulability disorders is due to the clinical variability of the disease etiology and numerous possible sites of blockage balanced against treatment objectives, outcomes, and cost.