Timing of Anticoagulant Re-Initiation following Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Mechanical Heart Valves: Survey of Neurosurgeons and Thrombosis Experts

While oral anticoagulation is universally recommended among patients with mechanical heart valves (MHVs) [1], there is limited evidence to guide clinicians in managing patients who suffer intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a feared complication of anticoagulant treatment estimated to occur at 2-3% per patient-year [2]. In particular, the timing of oral anticoagulant (OAC) re-initiation following stabilization of hemorrhage is challenged by the intricate need to balance the risks of valve thrombosis and ischemic stroke with those of recurrent bleeding.

Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery - January 13, 2017 Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Fahad AlKherayf, Yan Xu, Harrison Westwick, Ioana Doina Moldovan, Philip S. Wells Source Type: research