Venous thromboembolism (VTE) — the medical term for serious blood clots — is a high-risk condition in which clots form in the veins and disrupt normal blood flow. VTE presents as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a clot in a deep vein, or pulmonary embolism (PE), which occurs when a clot travels to the lungs. Together, DVT and PE are the most common preventable causes of hospital-related death and claim more than 100,000 lives each year in the United States, often resulting in serious or long-term complications. 

VTE is a leading cause of preventable harm in hospitalized patients, yet many cases can be avoided through timely risk assessment and individualized prevention strategies. Risk factors include surgery, trauma, prolonged immobility, cancer, pregnancy and certain chronic illnesses. Prevention may involve blood-thinning medications or mechanical devices that improve circulation. 

The Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality leads national VTE prevention efforts through its Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Collaborative, which aims to advance evidence-based risk assessment and prevention strategies to reduce patient harm. In recognition of Blood Clot Awareness Month, experts from the VTE Collaborative are available to discuss blood clot prevention, including venous thromboembolism (VTE), patient safety and efforts to reduce preventable harm. 

To arrange an interview, please contact Cassidy Davis, communications specialist, at [email protected]. 

VTE Experts:

Elliott Haut, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S.

• Vice-Chair of Quality, Safety and Service, Department of Surgery
• Professor of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine and Emergency Medicine 

Brandyn D. Lau, Dr.P.H., M.P.H., C.P.H.,

• Associate Professor of Radiology and Radiological Science
• Clinical Informatician, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 

Michael B. Streiff, M.D., F.A.C.P.

• Medical Director, The Johns Hopkins Hospital Special Coagulation Laboratory
• Attending Physician, The Johns Hopkins Hospital Comprehensive Hemophilia Treatment Center
• Medical Director, Johns Hopkins Anticoagulation Management Service and Outpatient Clinics 

Peggy Kraus, PharmD, CACP

• Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
• Supervisor, the Anticoagulation Clinic in the Johns Hopkins Division of Adult Hematology 

Dauryne Shaffer, RN, MSN, CCRN

• Nursing Practice and Professional Development Specialist