Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2
(SARS-CoV-2), has led to unprecedented morbidity and mortality in the modern era. To date,
nearly 13 million people have contracted COVID-19, leading to more than 550,000 deaths
worldwide. As the number of affected individuals continues to climb, effective strategies for
treatment and prevention of the disease are of paramount importance. SARS-CoV-2 is understood
to directly invade cells via the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which
is expressed predominantly in the lungs but also throughout the cardiovascular system. Thus,
while acute respiratory distress syndrome remains a feared complication, new thromboembolic
disease has emerged as a common and potentially catastrophic manifestation of COVID-19.