ABSTRACT
Background: Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) and subsequent Pulmonary Embolism (PE) are one of the mosteminent causes of preventable deaths in nosocomial settings. The prevalence is increasing and they have variableclinical presentations encountered in community settings as well as hospitalized patients requiring timely andobligatory prophylaxis. Objective: This study aims to review prophylactic measures for deep venousthrombosis/pulmonary embolism highlighting implemented pharmacologic and mechanical interventions, newerand yet investigational techniques such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation towards reducing prevalence ofvenous thromboembolism. Materials and Methods: A review of relevant articles published between the years of2000 to 2019 in English language was done using the databases of PubMed Pico, Google Scholar and Google,using the predetermined keywords. Conclusion: Venous thromboembolism prevalence is increasing and amongthe various available methods for thromboprophylaxis, pharmacologic approach is the most superior whichinvolves making use of either unfractioned or low molecular weight heparin although the most efficacious is lowmolecular weight heparin as evidenced by several meta-analyses. Anticoagulants have numerous side effectsleading to limitations of their use and in such situations, mechanical methods such as intermittent pneumaticcompression (most effective), graduated compression stockings, and venous foot pump scan can be used. Incircumstances where both medicines and mechanical approach become impractical, neuromuscular electricalstimulation can be implemented even though additional research is required to further elucidate its efficacy andimplications.