Abstract
Venous thromboembolism is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death, after myocardial infarction and stroke.1 Total hip or knee arthroplasty is the procedure with the highest risk of venous thromboembolism.2 In this issue of the Journal, two studies affirm and extend the efficacy and safety of the novel oral factor Xa inhibitors, rivaroxaban and apixaban, in the management of venous thromboembolic disease.3,4 In the Acute DVT Study,3 rivaroxaban (at a dose of 15 mg twice daily for 3 weeks, followed by 20 mg once daily) was compared with enoxaparin followed by warfarin or acenocoumarol, for 3, 6, or 12 . . .