Summary
The vast clinical research programme for the direct, oral factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban
has generated a wealth of data since the first rivaroxaban approval in 2008 for the
prevention of venous thrombo embolism (VTE) in patients undergoing elective hip or
knee replacement surgery. While rivaroxaban is widely used across a spectrum of seven
indications, there is continuous commitment to investigating its wider benefits in
new indications and attempts to refine current evidence. Key data from recently completed
randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that rivaroxaban is a feasible anticoagulation
option for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) undergoing cardioversion
or catheter ablation. Now, a number of Phase II and III RCTs are underway that seek
to uncover further roles for rivaroxaban in patients at risk of thrombosis and aim
to improve quality of life. This article will introduce and provide context for these
RCTs in the contemporary management of arterial and venous thromboembolism in the
following underserved areas: Patients with both NVAF and acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); patients with embolic stroke of
undetermined source (ESUS); patients who require transcatheter aortic valve replacement
(TAVR); patients with acute or chronic coronary artery disease (CAD; including those
with heart failure [HF]); those at risk of or suffering from cancer-associated thrombosis
(CAT) and those requiring long-term anticoagulation. It is hoped that this collection
of studies provides clarity around the use of rivaroxaban as a fundamental component
of antithrombotic therapy in an array of clinical situations.
Keywords
Rivaroxaban - acute coronary syndrome - atrial fibrillation - venous thromboembolism
- transcatheter aortic valve replacement