How to Manage the Perioperative Patient on Combined Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Therapy: Comments on the 2020 ACC Consensus Decision Pathway

Antithrombotic drugs are frequently used to prevent or treat various common cardiovascular disorders like acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stroke, atrial fibrillation (AF), and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Mainly, two classes of oral antithrombotic drugs are on market: anticoagulants, which slow down clot formation by reduced thrombin generation and fibrin formation; and antiplatelet drugs, which prevent platelet activation and formation of stable clots. Combined anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy might be indicated in some patients, but it is associated with increased risk of critical bleeding.
Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Commentary Source Type: research