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Assess venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk and guide prophylaxis decisions
Total Caprini Score
0
VTE Risk Level
Estimated VTE Risk
| Caprini Score | Risk Level | VTE Risk | Prophylaxis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Very Low | <0.5% | Early mobilization |
| 1-2 | Low | ~1.5% | Mechanical prophylaxis (SCDs/GCS) |
| 3-4 | Moderate | ~3% | Mechanical ± pharmacological |
| 5-8 | High | ~6% | Pharmacological + mechanical |
| ≥9 | Very High | ~11% | Aggressive prophylaxis, extended duration |
Pneumatic compression of legs increases venous flow, reduces stasis. Use when patient immobile.
Elastic stockings provide graded compression. Less effective than SCDs but better compliance.
Low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin, dalteparin). Once or twice daily dosing, predictable effect.
Low-dose unfractionated heparin. 5,000 units SC 2-3 times daily. Requires monitoring in some cases.
High-risk patients may need 4+ weeks of prophylaxis post-discharge, especially after major surgery.
Direct oral anticoagulants (rivaroxaban, apixaban) increasingly used for extended prophylaxis.
The Caprini Risk Assessment Model is a validated tool to stratify patients by risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It uses clinical risk factors weighted by importance to calculate total risk.
Mechanical prophylaxis can be started immediately. Pharmacological prophylaxis is typically started preoperatively or within 12-24 hours postoperatively, balanced against bleeding risk. Continue until patient is fully mobile or longer for high-risk cases.
In patients with high VTE risk but contraindications to anticoagulation (active bleeding, high bleeding risk), use mechanical prophylaxis alone. Consider IVC filter placement in very high-risk patients with absolute contraindications to anticoagulation.
Duration depends on risk level and mobility. Low-risk patients need prophylaxis only during hospitalization. High-risk surgical patients (Caprini ≥5) benefit from extended prophylaxis for 4 weeks or more post-discharge.
DVT: leg pain, swelling, warmth, redness, usually unilateral. PE: sudden shortness of breath, chest pain (worse with breathing), rapid heart rate, cough with blood. Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur.
The Caprini score was developed primarily for surgical patients but can be applied to hospitalized medical patients. Other scores like Padua Prediction Score are specifically designed for medical patients and may be more appropriate in that setting.
This calculator provides VTE risk estimates to guide prophylaxis decisions but should not replace clinical judgment. Individual factors including bleeding risk, patient preferences, and contraindications must be considered. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare providers.