Major Surgery

Surgery can set up a situation in which the risk of having a pulmonary embolism greatly increases. While there is always some risk associated with surgery, procedures done on hips, knees, or the pelvic area are flagged as blood clot inhibitors. Because they are so closely situated to the deep muscle tissues in the legs, surgery can dislodge a blood clot, sending it towards the heart.

Even if a clot is not already present during the time of surgery, sometimes the recovery process can make it easier for thrombosis to occur. Restrictions to movement from surgery can make healthy blood flow more difficult; as can the positions sometimes needed to perform the surgery in the first place. Keep legs elevated to promote blood flow and try to get up and move around as much as possible after surgery to limit the chances of blood clots.