Decision-Making in the Management of Venous Thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism comprising deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus is common. Patients with venous thromboembolism may present to a variety of health care providers, and while a significant proportion of patients begin treatment in the hospital, ambulatory management of both deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus is feasible and becoming more common. Initial anticoagulant management, investigation of venous thromboembolism etiology, and decisions about extended anticoagulation require coordinated care by physicians from multiple specialties. Comprehensive management of venous thromboembolism requires coordinated care from the time of presentation in order to expedite diagnosis, initiate timely anticoagulant treatment, determine the need for extended anticoagulation based on risk of bleeding and recurrent thrombosis, and advise on thromboprophylaxis during future high-risk periods for venous thromboembolism. In this review we use case scenarios to provide an operational framework, based on current evidence-based recommendations, for informed decision-making about a number of clinical practice issues that are frequently encountered in the management of venous thromboembolism patients.