- Initiation phase: administration of anticoagulant after diagnosis of DVT, and consisting of parenteral or full dose oral anticoagulation for 5-21 days, depending on anticoagulant used.
- Treatment phase: administration of anticoagulation following initiation phase, consisting of anticoagulation administered at standard therapeutic doses and considered complete after 3 months of anticoagulation.
- Extended phase: administration of anticoagulants without pre-planned stop date, at full or reduced dose, as secondary prevention (to reduce recurrent DVT).
Another perspective:
