The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2021
Direct oral anticoagulants and cardiac surgery: A descriptive study of preoperative management and postoperative outcomes.
Recommendations for perioperative management of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) treatment in cardiac surgery are lacking. To establish a standardized approach for these patients, we compared hemorrhagic complications and clinical outcomes in patients on DOAC medication, patients on vitamin K antagonists (VKA), and patients without preoperative anticoagulation. ⋯ Our standardized management for perioperative discontinuation of DOAC therapy may provide a safe approach to minimize hemorrhagic complications in cardiac surgery in patients on DOACs.