New anticoagulants for the prevention and therapy of venous thromboembolism- a review

Thrombin plays an essential role in haemostasis and thrombosis; therefore, anticoagulant strategies focus on direct or indirect inhibition of thrombin or factor Xa. Over the last 60 years, key players in antithrombotic treatment have been unfractionated heparin and vitamin K antagonists (VAKs), such as coumarin. New oral anticoagulants, with different mechanisms of action and administration, have the potential to promote dramatic changes in the management of patients with venous thromboembolic disease. This review provides an overview of the newer anticoagulants likely to be used in this indication.