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Updated: May 29, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
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Published on: February 28, 2012

Anticoagulation in venous thromboembolism and in atrial fibrillation

Oriol Martínez-Torrecilla1, Josune Cabello Calleja2, Antonio Martínez-Rubio3

  • 1Klinik für Innere Medizin und Kardiologie, Marien-Hospital Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany.

JRSM Cardiovascular Disease
|May 28, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Anticoagulation therapy is crucial for atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) offer improved efficacy and safety over warfarin, with new agents emerging to address limitations.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hematology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are major global health concerns, necessitating anticoagulation therapy.
  • Warfarin has been a long-standing oral anticoagulant for VTE and stroke prevention in AF.
  • Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) now represent a consolidated therapeutic option, demonstrating superior efficacy and safety compared to warfarin in extensive clinical trials and real-world data.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current anticoagulation strategies for AF and VTE.
  • To present novel therapeutic targets within the hemostatic system for anticoagulation.
  • To discuss emergent agents and strategies in anticoagulation therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pivotal randomized clinical trials and clinical experience databases.
  • Analysis of efficacy and safety data for warfarin and DOACs.
  • Exploration of emerging anticoagulation agents and therapeutic targets.

Main Results:

  • DOACs show improved efficacy, safety, or both compared to warfarin for AF and VTE.
  • Despite DOAC advantages, limitations exist, driving the development of new anticoagulation approaches.
  • Emerging agents and strategies aim to refine anticoagulation therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Current anticoagulation strategies for AF and VTE are evolving beyond warfarin.
  • DOACs are preferred over warfarin due to better efficacy and safety profiles.
  • Further research into novel hemostatic targets and agents is essential for optimizing anticoagulation.

Keywords:
Anticoagulationatrial fibrillationstrokethromboembolismthrombosis

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