Use of the Direct Oral Anticoagulants for the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism

In the past 2 decades, the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have emerged as alternatives to the standard therapy (unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin followed by vitamin K antagonists [VKA]), for the acute and extended treatment of venous thromboembolism. The DOACs have a more favorable pharmacologic profile and a predictable anticoagulant response and, therefore, have the potential to overcome some of the limitations associated with the use of VKA. Several ongoing registries are evaluating the use of the DOACs in routine clinical practice and will provide additional information in less selected patient populations.