Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Thromboembolism in a patient with a mechanical mitral valve during anticoagulation with dabigatran etexilate
Shintaro Kuwauchi1, Sunao Watanabe, Kohei Abe
1Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Recently, several new anticoagulants have been used instead of warfarin for preventing thromboembolism. In the RE-LY (Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation Therapy) trial, the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran etexilate was as an effective and safe as dose-adjusted warfarin for prevention of stroke in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation. However, the safety and efficacy of thromboprophylaxis after mechanical valve replacement is uncertain. We report a 57-year-old man with a mechanical heart valve who experienced acute upper limb thromboembolism during dabigatran intake. Dabigatran might be inadequate for thromboprophylaxis after mechanical valve replacement.
Recently, several new anticoagulants have been used instead of warfarin for preventing thromboembolism. In the RE-LY (Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation Therapy) trial, the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran etexilate was as an effective and safe as dose-adjusted warfarin for prevention of stroke in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation. However, the safety and efficacy of thromboprophylaxis after mechanical valve replacement is uncertain. We report a 57-year-old man with a mechanical heart valve who experienced acute upper limb thromboembolism during dabigatran intake. Dabigatran might be inadequate for thromboprophylaxis after mechanical valve replacement.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

