Anticoagulants in Venous Thromboembolism

Lowering the mortality from venous thromboembolism depends on effective prophylaxis including use of anticoagulants in high-risk patients, and on adequate anticoagulant therapy for established thrombosis. Heparin in low doses given subcutaneously seems effective and safe as prophylaxis in high-risk surgical patients. Heparin is also the drug of choice for managing established venous thromboembolism.