Patients who have had a venous thromboembolic event are generally advised to receive anticoagulant treatment for three months or longer to prevent a recurrent episode. Current guidelines recommend initial heparin and an oral vitamin K antagonist (VKA) for long-term anticoagulation. However, because of the well-described disadvantages of VKAs, including extensive food and drug interactions and the need for regular anticoagulation monitoring, novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have become an attractive option in recent years.  Dr. Turpie will discuss results from the most recent NOACs trials, and their impact on the prevention and management of anticoagulation.