Virchow’s triad

This triad is a hypothesis originating from Rudolf Virchow (1821-1902) consisting of stasis, hypercoagulability and endothelial injury. They are the three categories of factors thought to cause a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Stasis may occur after prolonged immobility, stroke, general anaesthesia, hospitalisation or air/car travel. Hypercoagulability may occur with cancer, late pregnancy, childbirth, severe trauma, burns or inherited coagulation disorders. Endothelial injury includes smoking, bacterial infection, laser and foam treatments for varicose veins. The association between varicose veins and DVT is weak and unclear and is in need of clarification.