What is the primary purpose of anticoagulation in the treatment of DVT?

The primary purpose of anticoagulation in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to prevent further emboli. Anticoagulants do not dissolve existing clots; rather, they work to inhibit the processes that lead to clot formation and help prevent the growth of existing clots. By doing so, anticoagulation reduces the risk of thromboembolic complications, such as pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening.

While it is true that anticoagulation facilitates the body's natural processes that can lead to the eventual resolution of the clot, this is not the main objective of initiating therapy. Similarly, increasing blood flow to the legs or eliminating venous stasis are important considerations in managing DVT, but they are not the direct targets of anticoagulant therapy. The primary focus is always on preventing additional clots from forming and reducing the chance of migration to the pulmonary circulation.