Introduction Aim(s) of these guidelines and specific objectives The purpose of these guidelines is to provide evidence-based recommendations addressing the optimal use of anticoagulant therapy in the management of VTE assuming the choice of which anticoagulant to use has already been made. Other aspects of VTE treatment (such as choice and duration of anticoagulant treatment, inpatient or outpatient management, treatment of cancer-associated VTE, indications for advanced therapies, and treatment of superficial vein thrombosis, calf vein thrombosis, and subsegmental PE) are addressed in other guidelines. Recom- mendations focus on commonly used anticoagulant medications, including UFH, LMWH, fondaparinux, VKA, and the DOACs apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban (betrixaban was not available during panel deliberations and is not currently approved for treatment of VTE; thus, it was not considered in any of the evidence). The specific objectives of the recommendations are to improve patient-important outcomes, including overall mortality, recurrent VTE, major bleeding, and quality of life. For specific recommendations, the panel considered time in the therapeutic INR range (TTR) as a surrogate for bleeding and thrombosis. For all recommendations, the panel considered resource use, cost-effectiveness, potential impact on health care equity, acceptability, and feasibility when such information was available. The target audience for these recommendations includes patients, physicians, other clinicians, and decision-makers. Policy makers interested in these guidelines include those involved in developing local, national, or international plans aimed at reducing the incidence and improving the management of VTE and evaluat- ing direct and indirect harms and costs related to VTE and associated treatments. This document may also serve as the basis for adaptation by local, regional, or national guideline panels. 