What have we learned from the randomized clinical trials of these new oral anticoagulants in the treatment of VTE?  The trials that have been performed and that are currently underway are summarized in Figure 10:  

• For dabigatran there have been 4 large trials that together included about 10,000 patients.  

• For rivaroxaban there have been 3 large trials, once again with about 10,000 patients.  

• For apixaban there have been 2 large trials, with between 5000 and 10,000 patients.

• For edoxaban there has been 1 large trial, a very extensive program with between 5000 and 10,000 patients.

The following Figures will review the results of each of these trials, starting with dabigatran.  Eikelboom J. Am J Med 2013; published on-line at http://education.amjmed.com/00000.