Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Upper-extremity Approach for Secondary Access in Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
06:04

Upper-extremity Approach for Secondary Access in Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Published on: August 8, 2025

Aspirin and Tranexamic Acid for Coronary Artery Surgery (ATACAS) Trial: rationale and design

Paul S Myles1, Julian Smith, John Knight

  • 1Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. p.myles@alfred.org.au

American Heart Journal
|January 25, 2008
PubMed

Insights

The ATACAS Trial investigates aspirin and tranexamic acid in coronary artery surgery. This large study will clarify the benefits and risks of these common therapies, guiding future patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Concerns exist regarding aspirin's effect on blood loss versus thrombotic complications in coronary artery surgery.
  • Antifibrinolytic drugs may reduce blood loss but pose a risk of thrombotic complications.
  • Limited randomized trials exist for these therapies in cardiac surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the benefits and risks of aspirin, tranexamic acid, or both, versus placebo.
  • To guide clinical practice for patients undergoing coronary artery surgery.

Main Methods:

  • The ATACAS Trial is a large, multicenter, randomized trial.
  • Involves 4600 patients undergoing on-pump or off-pump coronary artery surgery.
  • Compares aspirin, tranexamic acid, both, or placebo.

Main Results:

  • The ATACAS Trial is the largest study to date on these therapies.
  • Will provide crucial data on benefits and risks.

Conclusions:

  • Results will inform routine clinical care for coronary artery surgery patients.
  • Aims to establish optimal use of aspirin and antifibrinolytics.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors01:20

Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors

Antiplatelet drugs emerge as frontline defenders against the insidious threat of thromboembolic diseases, where abnormal clots obstruct vital blood vessels. These drugs stand as bulwarks, inhibiting platelet aggregation and clot formation, thereby mitigating the risk of life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and thrombotic strokes.
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...