blood clot prevention

What would I have to do to help prevent a blood clot  from happening? And would I be sent home with some medicine or something else to help prevent this?

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

The development of venous thrombophlebitis after surgery depends on many factors including the patient's age, medical condition, history of previous clots, type of surgery, length of surgery, necessity for strict bed rest after the procedure, etc. Techniques for preventing clots after surgery run from from the use of alternating compression leg apparatus during and after surgery to low dose anticoagulation.  Early ambulation after a procedure is also useful, along with avoiding a long interval in a cramped knee flexed position (i.e. an long flight or car trip).  The methods of prevention will depend on all of the above factors determined by the treating physician.