New oral anticoagulants: not quite there yet

The results of 3 large randomized trials of activated factor X inhibitors, for the prevention of venous thromboembolism, recently became available. Similar data for orally active thrombin inhibitors is also available from recent trials. In this review, we attempt to provide a balanced perspective on the relative merits and demerits of the new, orally active anticoagulants, and speculate on the future of these agents in clinical practice.