Summary

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs in approximately 2 million Americans each year. Nearly 600,000 of these patients will develop a pulmonary embolism (PE), and almost 60,000 will die of this complication [Hirsh H & Hoak J. Circulation 1996]. The goal of antithrombotic therapy for venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease is the prevention of clot propagation, embolism, and recurrent thrombosis. This article reviews the 2008 ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines regarding VTE disease, which established new strategies for the treatment of acute DVT and PE [Chest 2008;133 (6 suppl)].