In BriefIn a retrospective study the authors examined 1269 patients who underwent spinal surgery and were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and identified factors that are associated with venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) in this "high risk" group. Amongst these high-risk factors were: surgeries longer than 4 hours, comorbid disease, patients needing an osteotomy, and patients undergoing spinal stabilization for fractures. Identification of factors that can be optimized prior to surgery will decrease the rates of VTE.
Keywords: CPT = Current Procedural Terminology; DVT = deep vein thrombosis; EBL = estimated blood loss; ICU = intensive care unit; IVC = inferior vena cava; OR = odds ratio; PE = pulmonary embolism; VTE = venous thromboembolic event; deep venous thrombosis; intensive care unit; pulmonary embolism; spine surgery; vascular disorders; venous thromboembolism.