Long-term oral anticoagulation therapy of peripheral arterial disease

This review article summarizes clinical data on adjuvant long-term oral anticoagulation therapy (OAC) of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It analyzes the underlying risk model of oral anticoagulation. Definitions of runoff patterns, of major and minor bleeding complications, of predictors of major bleedings as well as a classification of patient risk groups are described. The indication for OAC treatment of chronic limb ischemia remains still due to an individual decision. Clinical decision making is facilitated by the risk model. Improved oral anticoagulation control results in fewer bleeding complications. Studies on patient weekly self-testing and self-dosing which support this hypothesis are reviewed in the context of adjuvant OAC therapy.