Direct thrombin inhibitors in cardiovascular disease

Limitations of commonly used anticoagulants, unfractionated heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, and oral vitamin K antagonists have prompted the development of alternative therapies. Direct thrombin inhibitors are a new class of anticoagulants that bind directly to thrombin and inhibit its interaction with substrates. In this Review, we critically examine the evidence from randomized controlled trials for the efficacy and safety of the parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors bivalirudin and argatroban, and the novel oral direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran etexilate, in cardiovascular and thrombotic disease.