Anticoagulation

Perioperative Bridging of Anticoagulant Therapy

Society of Hospital Medicine Education

Activity Information and Disclosures

Published Online: March 19, 2020 SHM Consults

Anticoagulant medications are commonly prescribed to patients in the United States for a number of medical problems. Interruptions in anticoagulation can result in severe adverse outcomes, including permanent disability and death, from arterial and venous thromboembolism. These medications, however, can also be associated with serious perioperative bleeding events. In fact, both bleeding and thromboembolic risks are amplified in the periprocedural period. This module addresses the risk of thromboembolism associated with periprocedural interruption of anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation, a mechanical heart valve, or a history of venous thromboembolism. It is important for hospitalists, who are routinely asked to manage medically complex surgical patients, to understand the periprocedural management of anticoagulation. This module will guide the participant on the perioperative timing of anticoagulant interruption and on the potential need for perioperative bridging anticoagulation.

Activity Information

Accreditation Statement: The Society of Hospital Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Statement Designation: The Society of Hospital Medicine designates this activity for a maximum of 2.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Disclosure Statement: Authors: Dr. Slawski reports having no relevant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity. Dr. Shiffermiller reports having no relevant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity. Editors (Leonard Feldman MD, FACP, SFHM and Kurt Pfeifer MD, FACP, SFHM) Dr. Feldman reports having no relevant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity. Dr. Pfeifer reports having no relevant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity. Additional planners and faculty for this activity have no relevant relationships to disclose.

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Perioperative Bridging of Anticoagulant Therapy

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