Longer Blood-Thinning Injections After Major Vascular Surgery
For people with: Venous Thromboembolism
About this trial
After major surgery on your blood vessels, there is a risk of blood clots forming in your legs or lungs. This trial is testing whether giving blood-thinning injections for four weeks after surgery (instead of the usual shorter course) can reduce that risk.
What would I need to do?
If you take part, you will be randomly chosen to receive either four weeks of daily blood-thinning injections at home after your surgery, or the standard shorter course. A nurse will show you or a family member how to give the injections. You will have follow-up appointments at 1 and 3 months.
While you are in hospital after your surgery, the team will give you the injections daily. Before you go home, a nurse will teach you (or a family member) how to do the injections. You will have a phone call at 2 weeks to check how you are getting on. At 1 month, you will come to the hospital for an ultrasound scan of your legs and a clinic check. At 3 months, you will have a final clinic visit.
Could I take part?
You may be eligible if you are due to have major vascular surgery (such as an operation on the arteries in your abdomen or legs). Your surgical team will discuss the trial with you before your operation.
Age range: 18 years and over
What are the risks and benefits?
The injections may reduce your risk of developing a blood clot after surgery. The main risk is a small increase in bruising or bleeding. Serious bleeding is uncommon. By taking part, you will help us find out whether longer blood-thinning treatment is beneficial for patients having vascular surgery.
Common questions
Interested in taking part?
Contact the research team to find out more about this trial and whether it might be right for you.
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