Introduction: Thromboembolic disease encompasses a spectrum of conditions extending from deep vein thrombosis to stroke and myocardial infarction. The current anticoagulation therapy is cumbersome and characterized by several important drawbacks.
Areas covered: Existing treatments and latest breakthroughs on emerging anticoagulants are presented. Oral and parenteral novel anticoagulants are being developed and tested for efficacy and safety and results are being published regularly. The introduction of novel anticoagulants marks a new era in the management of anticoagulated patients. It is important for the healthcare provider to understand the benefits and risks of the armamentarium of anticoagulants that will be available in the very near future. The critical conclusions drawn will help the reader look past what is the most highlighted feature of the new anticoagulantion era: the non-necessity for monitoring.
Expert opinion: Currently, novel anticoagulants seem to lack the indefinable 'charm' of weakness. However, important questions remain unanswered and will require in-depth evaluations.