Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots
Published on: May 21, 2017
[Perioperative coagulation management during ascending aorta replacement on apixaban]
C Dumps1, E Halbeck2, J Schimpf2
1Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Klinikum Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156, Augsburg, Deutschland. christian.dumps@klinikum-augsburg.de.
Insights
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are effective alternatives to vitamin K antagonists but pose challenges in emergency surgery due to a lack of specific antidotes. This case study details managing apixaban during urgent ascending aorta replacement following dissection.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Anesthesiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) offer alternatives to vitamin K antagonists for thromboembolism prevention and treatment.
- Specific antidotes for most DOACs, except dabigatran, are not yet available.
- Perioperative management of DOACs is challenging in emergency surgeries with high bleeding risks.
Observation:
- This case study focuses on a patient undergoing emergency ascending aorta replacement after aortic dissection.
- The patient was administered apixaban, a direct oral anticoagulant.
- Perioperative coagulation management strategies were employed.
Findings:
- The study details the successful perioperative management of a patient on apixaban undergoing complex aortic surgery.
- It highlights the challenges and strategies involved in managing bleeding risks associated with DOACs in emergency settings.
- This case demonstrates a potential approach to perioperative care in similar high-risk scenarios.
Implications:
- This case provides insights into managing patients on direct oral anticoagulants requiring urgent surgical intervention.
- It underscores the need for established protocols for perioperative coagulation management of DOACs.
- Further research and clinical guidelines are needed to address the perioperative challenges posed by DOACs.
Abstract:
The direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) present a valid therapeutic alternative to vitamin K antagonists in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, for the prevention of venous thromboembolism, and for the treatment and prevention of the recurrence of pulmonary embolisms and deep vein thrombosis. Despite Idarucizumab as an antagonist of Dabigatran there are no other specific antidotes available yet. Therefore, perioperative coagulation management by DOACs is challenging in patients undergoing emergency surgical procedures with a high risk of bleeding complications. This case study describes the perioperative procedure during ascending aorta replacement after aortic dissection with apixaban administration.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

