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Semin Thromb Hemost 2016; 42(08): 846-856
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1593542
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The Outpatient Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism: Operational Impact and the Role of Novel Anticoagulants

Benjamin White
1   Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Rachel Rosovsky
2   Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Blair Alden Parry
1   Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Christopher Kabrhel
1   Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
20 October 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are common diagnoses in the emergency department (ED), with significant potential morbidity and mortality. As a result, historically nearly all patients with PE have been admitted to the hospital for observation and treatment. In recent years, the ability to rapidly and accurately risk stratify patients with VTE according to their risk of short-term clinical deterioration has supported outpatient treatment, and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have further facilitated this approach. This review details the historical context and operational impact of managing VTE in the outpatient setting, describes a model for outpatient management of VTE, and suggests potential areas of further inquiry.

Keywords

pulmonary embolism - venous thromboembolism - anticoagulation - emergency department operations - outpatient treatment
 

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