Periprocedural management of the chronically anticoagulated patient: critical pathways for bridging therapy

Crit Pathw Cardiol. 2003 Jun;2(2):96-103. doi: 10.1097/01.hpc.0000077042.02114.15.

Abstract

Periprocedural bridging of the patient on long-term anticoagulation is indicated in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation with additional risk factors, prosthetic heart valves, venous thromboembolism within 3 months of the procedure, and hypercoagulable conditions requiring oral anticoagulation. Until recently, intravenous unfractionated heparin was used for bridging. LMWH has now emerged as a safe and effective bridging alternative.