ADMINISTRATION OF DICOUMARIN COMPOUND FOR PROPHYLAXIS OF POSTOPERATIVE THROMBOSIS AND EMBOLISM

Abstract

The practical value of the use of an agent to prolong the clotting time of the blood in the prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic disease has been amply demonstrated. Administration of an anticoagulant, such as heparin, has been found to be safe for operative patients immediately after¹or even before operation.²Heparin has reduced the expected occurrence of thrombosis and embolism in operative patients.¹It has served well in the management of patients with nonfatal pulmonary embolism.¹It has materially reduced the morbidity rate associated with thrombophlebitis.¹The principles of its use have been established. But two factors, the expense and the comparative difficulty of administration, have tempered the enthusiasm for heparin and prevented its acceptance as a measure available to all. For this reason the results of the use of another anticoagulant, dicoumarin compound, 3,3′-methylenebis-4-hydroxycoumarin,³have been studied in order to explore its