The Year in Coagulation and Transfusion: Selected Highlights.

Area of Science:

• Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery
• Hematology
• Transfusion Medicine

Background:

• Patient blood management is crucial in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery.
• Evidence supports restrictive transfusion thresholds, anemia management, and bleeding protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in coagulation and transfusion practices in cardiothoracic and vascular care.
• To highlight evolving strategies in patient blood management and hemostatic control.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent studies and clinical data.
• Analysis of evidence supporting new transfusion thresholds and anemia management.
• Evaluation of novel hemostatic agents and monitoring techniques.

Main Results:

• Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate is preferred over fresh frozen plasma for specific coagulopathies.
• Viscoelastic testing aids in personalized transfusion strategies and heparin monitoring.
• Hemadsorption shows potential for direct oral anticoagulant removal in urgent settings.

Conclusions:

• There is a trend towards individualized, viscoelastic testing-guided hemostatic management.
• Advances improve safety and efficacy in managing bleeding and thrombosis risks.
• New approaches optimize outcomes in complex cardiothoracic and vascular procedures.