Reversal agents for the management of direct oral anticoagulant-related bleeding in cardiac surgical patients: the emperor's new clothes?

In this issue of the journal, Navas-Blanco et al.1 review the 2020 American College of Cardiology (ACC) Expert Consensus Decision Pathway on the approach to bleeding in patients who are prescribed oral anticoagulants.2 This document provides important definitions on bleeding severity; describes assays for laboratory measurement of plasma drug levels; and details specific reversal strategies in the bleeding patient. For the patient taking warfarin, prothrombin complex concentrate is recommended in accordance with recently published guidelines.
Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Invited Editorial Source Type: research