[Antithrombotic prevention in atrial fibrillation: the new anticoagulant drugs].

Thromboembolic events are the most dangerous complications in patients with atrial fibrillation, affecting the central nervous system in 93% of cases. Vitamin K antagonists have been in clinical use since the '50s for the prevention of thromboembolism. Although effective, vitamin K antagonists have several limitations that render them difficult to administer, which have prompted the need for new antithrombotic strategies. The new class of oral anti-IIa and anti-Xa agents appears to be a promising alternative to overcome these limitations.