Direct thrombin inhibitors in cardiovascular disease

Direct inhibitors of thrombin are a novel class of anticoagulant. The authors critically review the data from clinical trials on the use of the parenteral and oral forms of these drugs for primary or secondary prevention or treatment in patients with acute coronary syndrome, atrial fibrillation, or venous thromboembolism, or those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention or orthopedic surgery.