Anticoagulation in Venous Thromboembolism

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Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a highly prevalent and potentially dangerous condition. While anticoagulation is the mainstay of therapy, thrombolytic therapy may be utilized in the acute setting for select patients. In this chapter, we review the risk factors for development of VTE and the key decision-making considerations for treatment. We highlight the role of acute therapies, such as thrombolytics, as well as appropriate selection of oral anticoagulants. Key advantages and disadvantages of warfarin and the direct oral anticoagulants are summarized. We review key aspects for chronic anticoagulation management, including the use of formal anticoagulation clinics. Finally, we discuss approaches to VTE recurrence risk stratification and the selection of antithrombotic agents for secondary VTE prevention. Numerous tables and figures outline decision-making steps and provide summary data from pivotal randomized trials in VTE management.

Keywords

Venous Thromboembolism Deep Vein Thrombosis Pulmonary Embolism Anticoagulation Thrombolysis Thrombosis Shared Decision-Making Thrombophilia 
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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular MedicineFrankel Cardiovascular Center at the University of MichiganAnn ArborUSA
  2. 2.Anticoagulation Service, Faculty Group Practice: Pharmacy Innovations and PartnershipsUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborUSA

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