Extended Low-Molecular Weight Heparin VTE Prophylaxis in Thoracic Surgery

Dalteparin is a low-molecular weight heparin. The dosage used will be 5000 units once daily (administered as a subcutaneous injection). This is an established prophylactic dose used to prevent the incidence of VTE after surgery.

Upon hospital discharge, half of the patients will be assigned to receive saline placebo injections for up to 35 days after surgery. These injections will have no effect.