Assess VTE risk in surgical patients to guide prophylaxis decisions.
When to use: Use Caprini score preoperatively to stratify VTE risk in surgical inpatients and determine appropriate thromboprophylaxis. High-risk patients (score ≥5) benefit from combined pharmacological (LMWH/UFH) and mechanical (pneumatic compression devices) prophylaxis. Extended pharmacoprophylaxis for 28 days is indicated after major abdominal/pelvic cancer surgery.
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Age 41-60, minor surgery, BMI>25, swollen legs, varicose veins, pregnancy/postpartum, recurrent miscarriage, OCP/HRT, sepsis <1mo, serious lung disease, impaired pulmonary function, acute MI, CHF, IBD, medical patient at bed rest
Age 61-74, arthroscopic surgery, malignancy, laparoscopic surgery >45min, confined to bed >72h, immobilising cast, central venous access
Age ≥75, prior VTE, family history VTE, factor V Leiden, prothrombin 20210A, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, elevated homocysteine, HIT, other congenital/acquired thrombophilia
