[Antithrombotic medication of cardiac patient in connection with surgery and minor operations]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology
• Surgical Medicine

Background:

• Cardiac patients frequently use long-term antithrombotic medications.
• These patients often require surgical interventions.
• Managing antithrombotic therapy during surgery presents a significant clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the risks and benefits of continuing or discontinuing antithrombotic therapy in cardiac patients undergoing surgery.
• To evaluate strategies for managing antithrombotic medication in perioperative settings.
• To inform clinical decision-making regarding antithrombotic management for surgical cardiac patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical guidelines and evidence regarding antithrombotic therapy.
• Analysis of complication rates associated with different antithrombotic management strategies.
• Case study analysis of perioperative antithrombotic management in cardiac surgery.

Main Results:

• Discontinuing antithrombotic therapy reduces hemorrhage risk but increases thrombotic/thromboembolic complication risk.
• Continuing therapy may increase bleeding complications during surgery.
• A reduced compensatory antithrombotic therapy approach is often a safe compromise.

Conclusions:

• The decision to continue or discontinue antithrombotic therapy requires careful risk-benefit assessment.
• Perioperative management of antithrombotic medication in cardiac patients is complex.
• Tailored, potentially reduced, antithrombotic regimens can mitigate risks in surgical patients.