Dabigatran: ready for prime time?

Studies in high-risk surgical patients have demonstrated the efficacy of the selective inhibitors of factor Xa and thrombin in preventing venous thromboembolism. Because of their predictable dose-response, which eliminates the need for routine laboratory monitoring, they may be more convenient for patients requiring long-term therapy, and have the potential to improve the quality of anticoagulation. The results from 2 large trials of dabigatran …