Thromboembolic disease, is also referred to as venous blood clots, and it is a condition in which a blood vessel is obstructed by an embolus carried in the bloodstream from the site of formation. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a part of the umbrella term thromboembolic disease. It refers to two conditions: deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and its potentially fatal acute complication, pulmonary embolism (PE).

Postoperative venous thromboembolism is a one of leading causes of mortality among hospitalized patients in hospital. Major orthopedic surgery (e.g., hip or knee replacement) is associated with a high risk for postoperative venous thromboembolism.