"The heparin study" is comparing the current standard of care for DVT prophylaxis (SQH tid) with a goal-directed IVH infusion (ptt 40-45).
Patients who have consented to participate are randomized upon their postoperative arrival to the SICU to receive heparin SQ or IV per protocol. Bilateral lower extremity ultrasounds are performed on days 0, 5, and 10 to screen for DVTs. Secondary endpoints are PE, sepsis, organ failure, vent days, ICU days, hospital LOS, and 6-month mortality.
We are also looking for changes in blood inflammatory markers, coagulation markers, and markers of endothelial cell damage.