11 Oct World Thrombosis Day
Wednesday 13th October marks World Thrombosis Day 2021.
With more than 2,000 partners in 100+ countries, this global movement raises awareness of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and educates people on prevention, treatment and the management of rising cases of this condition.
What is VTE?
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot develops – most often in the deep veins of the leg, groin, or arm – If these clots move, they can lead to an extremely serious medical condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE) – this is where the clot travels through the bloodstream to the lungs.
Every 37 seconds someone in the western world dies from a VTE. Patients in hospital are often at elevated risk of developing the condition due to a lack of mobility to stimulate blood flow: up to 60 percent of all VTEs annually are a result of hospitalisation and are the primary cause of preventable hospital deaths.
Easing pressure on healthcare systems
VTE have a significant impact on global healthcare systems. Patients who have previously experienced deep vein thrombosis (DVT) remain at increased risk of further episodes and require frequent care and monitoring to prevent related complications, such as PE. To lower the risk all patients who suffer a first VTE episode are given 3 months anticoagulation therapy. Despite this many can suffer life-long complications placing immense pressure on already overstretched healthcare systems.
This mounting demand, caused by an ageing population and impacted by the Covid pandemic, means innovation in MedTech is uniquely placed to offer preventative therapies that are cost-effective and allow patients to leave hospital sooner to manage their recovery at home.
How is the geko™ device helping?
The geko™ device essentially emulates what we do when we walk. When we walk, the muscles squeeze against the veins in the calf, foot and to some degree in the thigh and this helps push oxygenated blood around the body and back towards the heart. The geko™ device triggers a blood flow increase equal to 60% of walking, and this can be helpful for a number of indications – VTE prevention being one.
By keeping blood flow going, the geko™ device prevents clots from forming in the deep veins of the calf. This anti-stasis capability significantly reduces VTE incidence in high-risk patient, post-operatively and during recovery, saving healthcare systems significant time and money. Results from a real-world study demonstrate this – the geko™ device is clinically proven to prevent life-threatening blood clots in immobile acute stroke patients.
To find out more about how you can get involved in World Thrombosis Day and be a part of this important conversation, discover World Thrombosis Day Organisation and Thrombosis UK.
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