ABSTRACT
Antithrombotic agents are among the most frequently prescribed medications, with over a trillion units of heparin and 974 million milligrams of sodium warfarin (Coumadinw) utilized annually in the United States.[1] These agents enable vascular surgeons to alter the coagulation mechanism according to the needs of their patients. The vitamin K antagonists, unfractionated heparins (UH), and low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) are the mainstays of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis and have reduced the incidence of DVT and pulmonary embolism in postoperative and other at-risk patients. Intravenous or subcutaneous heparin followed by warfarin remains the primary therapy for venous thromboembolism. However, the low molecular weight heparins have been found to be as effective as UH.
