anticoagulant therapy [Gk, anti + L, coagulare, to curdle; Gk, therapeia] , the use of drugs that suppress blood clot formation (thrombosis) and propagation. In patients who have experienced thrombotic events, anticoagulant therapy is used to prevent secondary coronary thrombosis, peripheral artery disease, cerebrovascular occlusion, thrombophlebitis, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulants are administered prophylactically subsequent to orthopedic surgery and in atrial fibrillation.
