Long-term oral anticoagulation therapy of peripheral arterial disease

This review article summarizes clinical data on adjuvant long-term oral ant icoagulation therapy (OAC) of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It analyze s the underlying risk model of oral anticoagulation. Definitions of runoff patterns, of major and minor bleeding complications, of predictors of major bleedings as well as a classification of patient risk groups are described . The indication for OAC treatment of chronic limb ischemia remains still d ue to an individual decision. Clinical decision making is facilitated bq, t he risk model. Improved oral anticoagulation control results in fewer bleed ing complications. Studies on patient weekly self-testing and self-dosing w hich support this hypothesis are reviewed in the context of adjuvant OAC th erapy.