Treatment of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities

Deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities is a common condition that should be treated appropriately given the possibility that it could lead to an ultimately fatal complication, as well as to a post-thrombotic syndrome that is in some cases disabling. The current treatment for this condition is differentiated into an acute phase, a long-term therapy and occasionally an extended therapy, which not only has defined objectives but also uses various drugs and even varying dosages for each drug. We describe the therapeutic anticoagulation options in each of these treatment phases and some of the treatments (thrombolysis, insertion of an inferior vena cava filter, surgery) that can play a role in certain conditions.