Michael R. Jaff, DO

by Michael S. Jaffee, MD, FAAN, FANA

Vitamin K antagonists have been extensively used as the standard of care in the treatment of venous thromboembolism for the past 60 years. The known limitations of vitamin K antagonists have been widely recognized; thus, alternatives have been sought after for decades.

The morbidity and mortality relating to stroke remain unacceptably high. Estimates suggest that it accounts for approximately one of every 17 deaths in the United States, and that someone dies from the direct consequences of stroke every three to four minutes.

Vitamin K antagonists have been extensively used as the standard of care in the treatment of venous thromboembolism for the past 60 years. The known limitations of vitamin K antagonists have been widely recognized; thus, alternatives have been sought after for decades.