Perioperative management of antiplatelet agents

Perioperative management of antiplatelet agents is a common challenge with the increased number of patients requiring long-term therapy following coronary stenting. Debate currently exists regarding if and when to discontinue antiplatelet therapy prior to elective surgery. The delicate balance between decreasing the risk of bleeding intraoperatively and minimizing the risk of stent thrombosis in patients who are already at a high thrombotic risk is a major concern. This article summarizes the information available for perioperative management of common antiplatelet agents, as well as antiplatelet agents in development.