[New anticoagulants -- their clinical significance]

Heparin and Vitamin K antagonists have been the only available anticoagulants for several decades. Their use has lead to significant achievements in all fields of medicine despite various shortcomings and bleeding complications. With the objective of an improved benefit-/risk ratio selective inhibitors of factor Xa (Fondaparinux) and factor IIa (Ximelagatran) have been developed. Ximelagatran can also be orally administered. The results obtained from various clinical trials with these compounds are extremely encouraging. Thus, a significant improvement of antithrombotic treatment may be expected by their future use in the clinical and out-patient setting.