Direct thrombin inhibitors versus vitamin K antagonists or low molecular weight heparins for prevention of venous thromboembolism following total hip or knee replacement.

Patients who have undergone total hip or knee replacement (THR, TKR) have a high risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) following surgery, despite appropriate anticoagulation with warfarin or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). New anticoagulants are under investigation.