Cardiovascular risk associated with interruption of antiplatelet and oral anticoagulation therapy

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Medicine
• Thrombosis Research

Background:

• Clinical scenarios like coronary stents and mechanical heart valves increase risks of atherothrombosis and thromboembolism.
• Patients frequently use antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants, elevating hemorrhagic risk during surgery.
• Interrupting antithrombotic therapy reintroduces baseline risks, creating patient vulnerability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature on managing antithrombotic therapy in patients undergoing surgery.
• To provide practical algorithms for clinical decision-making in these complex cases.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of recent literature on antithrombotic drug management.
• Development of clinical algorithms based on evidence and expert consensus.

Main Results:

• Identification of key clinical situations requiring careful management of antithrombotic therapy.
• Proposed algorithms address the balance between perioperative bleeding and thrombotic risks.

Conclusions:

• Effective management strategies are crucial for patients on antithrombotic drugs facing surgical procedures.
• Algorithms can guide clinicians in optimizing patient care and minimizing adverse events.