Anticoagulation plays a crucial role in the management of venous thromboembolism (VTE), in order to prevent extension or embolization of the thrombus, recurrence and chronic sequelae, such as the post-thrombotic syndrome and thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension1. The treatment of VTE traditionally involves an initial phase of parenteral anticoagulation (unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin or fondaparinux), overlapped and followed by vitamin K antagonists, which constitute the mainstay of the long-term and extended treatment2. Recently, non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOA), the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran and the direct factor Xa inhibitors apixaban, edoxaban and rivaroxaban, have been proposed as alternatives to the current standard of care for VTE treatment2,3. In addition to well-known practical advantages, the NOA have shown similar efficacy and an improved safety profile when compared to standard treatment in phase III clinical trials. Thus, NOA can simplify the therapeutic management of VTE and suit the majority of patients with VTE. [...]