Aspirin and Compression Devices for VTE Prophylaxis in Orthopaedic Oncology
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2012-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This is a research study to compare the efficacy of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and
pneumatic compression devices versus enoxaparin (also known as Lovenox) and pneumatic
compression devices in preventing deep vein thrombosis in patients with pelvic and lower
extremity malignant tumors and undergoing surgery. Pneumatic compression devices are also
known as sequential compression devices and are inflatable compression sleeves that are
placed around patient's legs to reduce the risk of clot formation deep vein thrombosis.
Pneumatic compression devices are made of a soft material that wraps around the lower leg and
periodically squeeze the calf. A deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot. Most hospitalized
patients wear these as a preventive measure. Pneumatic compression devices alone are not
sufficient to prevent deep vein thrombosis formation. Therefore, medicines, such as aspirin
and enoxaparin are utilized. Both drugs are used for prevention, but there are no studies in
patients with musculoskeletal tumors which have determined whether one drug is better than
another. The knowledge gained from this study will determine whether aspirin and pneumatic
compression devices is the same or better than enoxaparin and pneumatic compression devices
in preventing deep vein thrombosis in this patient population and may result in fewer wound
and bleeding complications