6th July 2026

Aetiology

There are 3 major components to take into consideration when thinking about the pathophysiology of VTE. These can be summarised as Virchow’s triad, the components of which include vessel injury, stasis, and hypercoagulability. Any number of procedures, medical conditions, and medications can contribute to these factors and, in turn, lead to thrombosis. 

• Vessel injury: Surgery, smoking, hypertension, trauma, catheter (PICC line) insertion
• Stasis: Immobility (may be secondary to surgery), venous insufficiency, varicose veins, obstruction (tumours, pregnancy, obesity) 
• Hypercoagulability: Malignancy, pregnancy, inherited thrombophilia, infection/sepsis