Periprocedural antithrombotic management

ABSTRACT

The periprocedural management of patients on long-term antithrombotic therapy (antiplatelet agents or vitamin K antagonists) who may require temporary disruption, given that an invasive procedure is always a dilemma for clinicians. Discontinuation of antithrombotic therapy can place patients at an increased risk of thromboembolic complications while the continuation of antithrombotic therapy can increase the procedure-related bleeding risk. Therefore, it is imperative for clinicians to be proficient in making thoughtful and individualized decisions on the appropriate management of periprocedural anticoagulants, drawing from recent evidence-based guidelines.