[Novel oral anticoagulants and their use in the perioperative setting]

Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have become available for prevention of venous thromboembolism after major orthopaedic surgery, treatment of venous thromboembolism, and stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. The thrombin inhibitor Dabigatran has a plasma half life of 11-14 hours which prolongs significantly in renal insufficiency. The two Xa-inhibitors Rivaroxaban and Apixaban have slightly shorter half lifes, and renal elimination is confined to about 30% of active drug. Prior to elective surgery, drug intake needs to be halted. The time period depends on the actual drug half life in that particular situation. Bridging anticoagulation is not necessary. The management of bleeding complications does not differ from that in other anticoagulants. The most uncertainties in clinical practice will arise from the fact that NOACs derange the global clotting tests without any conclusive information about the actual intensity of anticoagulation.