Regional anesthesia and anticoagulation

The perioperative use of neuraxial techniques in the presence of anticoagulation is a controversial issue. There are significant pharmacokinetic differences between anticoagulants that will affect the timing of neuraxial needle insertion or catheter removal. The pharmacologic profiles of commonly used anticoagulants in the perioperative period are reviewed. Studies examining the use of neuraxial techniques in the presence of various anticoagulants are reviewed and evaluated in the context of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia consensus statements.