Risk Of Perioperative Bleeding Research Articles

Effect of epoprostenol-induced thrombocytopaenia on lung transplantation for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Preoperative intravenous epoprostenol therapy can cause thrombocytopaenia, which may increase the risk of perioperative bleeding during lung transplantation. This study aimed to determine whether lung transplantation can be safely performed in patients with epoprostenol-induced thrombocytopaenia. From June 2008 to July 2022, we performed 37 lung transplants in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), including idiopathic PAH (n = 26), congenital heart disease-associated PAH (n = 7), pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (n = 3) and peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis (n = 1) at our institution. Of these, 26 patients received intravenous epoprostenol therapy (EPO group), whereas 11 patients were treated with no epoprostenol (no-EPO group). We retrospectively analysed the preoperative and postoperative platelet counts and post-transplant outcomes in each group. Preoperative platelet counts were relatively lower in the EPO group than in the no-EPO group (median EPO: 127000 vs no-EPO: 176000/μl). However, blood loss during surgery was similar between the 2 groups (EPO: 2473 ml vs no-EPO: 2615 ml). The platelet counts significantly increased over 1 month after surgery, and both groups showed similar platelet counts (EPO: 298000 vs no-EPO: 284000/μl). In-hospital mortality (EPO: 3.9% vs no-EPO: 18.2%) and the 3-year survival rate (EPO: 91.4% vs no-EPO: 80.8%) were similar between the 2 groups. Patients with PAH treated with intravenous epoprostenol showed relatively lower platelet counts, which improved after lung transplantation with good post-transplant outcomes.

Examining Bleeding Risk, Transfusion-related Complications, and Strategies to Reduce Transfusions in Lung Transplantation.

Blood product transfusions for bleeding management in lung transplantation affect recipient outcomes. Interventions are needed to reduce perioperative bleeding risk and optimize outcomes.

Hysteroscopic Transillumination as a Guide for Laparoscopic Excision of Rudimentary Uterine Horn: A Winning Duo

Anatomic anomalies of the female reproductive genital tract affect approximately 5.5% of women [1]. The hemiuterus or class U4 by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology / European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy 2013 classification is a rare congenital malformation defined as a unilateral uterine development, with a contralateral part that could be either incompletely formed or absent. This class is divided into 2 subclasses depending on the presence or not of a functional rudimentary cavity (U4a/U4b) [2]. This work aimed to share our experience performing an hysteroscopic and laparoscopic combined technique to surgically manage this uterine malformation exploiting the hysteroscopic transillumination. A step-by-step explanation of surgical technique with narrated video footage. Tertiary Level Academic Hospital "IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero - Universitaria di Bologna" Bologna, Italy. A 32-year-old woman with a symptomatic (severe dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain) suspected U4a uterine malformation diagnosed at our center was scheduled for laparoscopic removal of the right uterine horn and ipsilateral salpingectomy exploiting the contemporary hysteroscopic transillumination guidance. We selected this approach to avoid possible complications owing to the anatomic anomalies that are very common in these cases [3,4]. After coagulation and section of the right round ligament at the uterine angle and opening of the right broad ligament, access to the retroperitoneum was obtained to directly visualize the entire course of ureter and the uterine artery. The right uterine artery was coagulated and sectioned at the uterus. Then, the hysteroscope was introduced to the uterine fundus and the light source brightness was increased up to 100% to allow an adequate transmural visualization of the uterine defect from the laparoscope. Once the defect edge was well highlighted, the right uterine horn was isolated and removed using a monopolar hook, taking care to preserve an adequate amount of myometrium. A double layer running suture with barbed absorbable thread (V-Loc) for reconstructive purposes was performed. The specimen was retrieved inside an endobag to allow a safe extraction. Right salpingectomy was then performed. Considering the great anatomic variability of this condition, this type of surgery is not always simple. Indeed, the borders between the uterus and the rudimentary uterine horn are often not perfectly recognizable; this can lead to accidental removal of healthy myometrium and increase the risk of perioperative bleeding [5]. In our experience, the combined hysteroscopic and laparoscopic combined technique allows the surgeon to better delimit the borders of the hemiuterus, providing a more conservative and safer surgery. Hysteroscopic transillumination offers the possibility to modulate the radicality in the resection of the rudimentary horn and in the final treatment of dysmorphism.

Pre-Operative Coagulation Test Results Do Not Correlate with Self-Bleeding Assessment Tool (Self-BAT) Scores

Background: Elective surgical procedures are planned hemostatic challenges and laboratory coagulation testing is often the typical approach to pre-operative hemostatic assessments. This is unfortunate as the prothrombin time [PT] and activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT] are of suboptimal predictive value for surgical bleeding risk and are have limited screening ability for inherited bleeding disorders. To the contrary, personal and family history of bleeding are important predictors of inherited bleeding disorders, and thus also likely predictive of perioperative bleeding risk. Quantitative bleeding assessment tools (BATs) have been developed to standardize the patient bleeding history, and a patient self-administered BAT (Self-BAT) has been validated for the diagnosis of type 1 von Willebrand disease. As part of a large, multicentre prospective cohort study to assess the accuracy of the Self-BAT in predicting peri-operative bleeding, we aimed to determine the correlation between results of coagulation assays and the Self-BAT score in patients undergoing elective surgery. Methods: We enrolled adult patients with no previously identified bleeding disorder who were undergoing general elective surgery between 2017 to 2018. We excluded patients with any prior history of therapeutic dose antithrombotic use, and those undergoing cardiac, vascular, emergency, ophthalmologic, or dental surgeries. Bloodwork was drawn at the pre-operative visit, and included aPTT, PT, von Willebrand factor (VWF) antigen, VWF GP1b (ristocetin calibrated) activity, factor VIII activity, platelet function assay (PFA)-100 closure times. The pre-operative Self-BAT and all laboratory tests were analyzed at the same site . We used Spearman's correlation coefficient to determine the relationship between results of laboratory testing and the Self-BAT scores. An abnormal Self-BAT score was defined as ≥6 for women and ≥4 for men. R v4.3.1 was used to perform the analysis. Results: A total of 368 were enrolled in the study, the mean age was 56 years old (standard deviation: 14.4) and 64.3% were women. A total of 12 individuals (3.3%) had a first degree relative with a bleeding disorder. The most common planned procedure was orthopedic (61%), followed by neurosurgery (14.4%), and general surgery (8.2%). The median Self-BAT score for women was 2 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1-4.3) and 1 (IQR: 0-2) for men. Of the 236 women and 131 men, 42 (17.8%) and 17 (13%) had abnormal Self-bat score. We found no significant correlations between the aPTT PT, Factor VIII, VWF panel nor PFA-100 and the Self-BAT score (Table 1). There was also no correlation found for sex stratified analyses. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that unselected ‘routine’ and specialized coagulation test results do not correlate with an individual's bleeding history. Thus, indiscriminate testing should not be used as surrogate screening tests for bleeding disorders in the pre-operative setting. Specialized coagulation testing should be reserved for when a hemostatic defect is suspected based on a positive personal or family bleeding history. We look forward to the results of the primary objective of the larger cohort study; enrollment is more than half completed to determine if the Self-BAT score itself is an accurate predictor of peri-operative bleeding.

Assessing Pre-Operative Bleeding Risk Using INR/aPTT: A Systematic Review

Background: The prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are often considered “routine” tests to assess perioperative bleeding risk. The PT and its mathematical derivative, the international normalized ratio (INR), allows for monitoring of vitamin K antagonist therapy. The aPTT was developed to screen for hemophilia A and B in family members of affected individuals. Both tests perform extremely poorly as screening tests for inherited bleeding disorders. Therefore, their utility in predicting peri-operative bleeding has been questioned. Objective: The primary objective was to examine the relationship between pre-operative coagulation results and peri-operative bleeding in pediatric and adult patients undergoing elective surgery in the published literature. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and grey literature between 1970 to July 2022. Randomized trials and observational studies that assessed the predictive accuracy of pre-procedural INR and aPTT test results for perioperative bleeding we deemed eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently screened and performed data extraction. A third reviewer adjudicated decisions when consensus could not be reached. Outcomes included any bleeding events in the postoperative period. The study protocol was registered online on PROSPERO (CRD42023385588). Results: 5700 articles were screened, and 79 studies were included in the systematic review. Major surgery (N=53) types included cardiac (n=14), neurosurgery (n=11), liver transplantation or resection (n=16) and general surgery (n=12). Minor surgeries included otolaryngology procedures (n=14) and other minor surgeries/procedures (e.g. pediatric spinal anesthesia, gastrointestinal endoscopy and related procedures, thoracocentesis, hernia repair, circumcision) (n=12). Bleeding complications were rare for minor surgeries and only one out of 26 studies found an association between coagulation test results and bleeding. Thirty-two out of 37 (86.5%) papers exploring other major surgeries found no association or reported a sensitivity under 50% between coagulation test results and bleeding (see Figure 1). Seven out of 16 studies (43.8%) on liver transplantation or resection found an association between the INR and bleeding (see Figure 2). None of the studies evaluated were randomized and none of the observational studies had outcomes adjudicated in blinded fashion. Conclusion: Our findings confirm that bleeding events are rare in minor surgeries, and that coagulation testing is of limited utility in this setting. Similar conclusions can be drawn for patients undergoing major surgeries, with one exception - in patients with liver disease or liver cancer - as there may be an association between bleeding and the pre-operative INR with further studies required. Despite the absence of evidence supporting the practice, routine pre-operative coagulation testing remains prevalent, highlighting the need for targeted knowledge translation.

Tracheostomy in high-risk patients on ECMO: A bedside hybrid dilational technique utilizing a Rummel tourniquet

ObjectiveTraditionally, critically ill patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation benefit from a long-term airway, thus necessitating tracheostomy. The widespread application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has exponentially increased in recent years, creating a new subset of patients necessitating tracheostomy with significantly increased bleeding risk. We present a hybrid dilational tracheostomy technique utilizing a Rummel tourniquet developed at our institution to mitigate bleeding risk in patients on ECMO necessitating long-term airway. MethodsA total of 24 patients on ECMO underwent bedside hybrid dilational tracheostomy with utilization of a Rummel tourniquet from 06/2020 to 01/2022 at our institution. These patients were followed longitudinally and evaluated for postoperative bleeding. Particular attention was paid to anticoagulation regimens pre- and post-operatively. ResultsThe primary outcome of the study, postoperative bleeding, was observed in four of the 24 study participants (16.67 %). Each of these complications were managed with tightening of the Rummel tourniquet and application of hemostatic packing agents; no operative interventions were required. Anticoagulation was held for a mean time of 4.33 h preoperatively and 5.2 h postoperatively. ConclusionsOur data support this hybrid tracheostomy technique with the addition of a Rummel tourniquet to be a safe and effective adjunct for perioperative hemostasis in high-risk patients necessitating tracheostomy while on ECMO. While this technique was initially developed for critically ill COVID-19 patients, we believe it can be applied to all patients on ECMO to help mitigate perioperative bleeding risk.

The Effect of Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy (DOACs) on oral surgical procedures: a systematic review

BackgroundDirect oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were developed to overcome the drawbacks of oral anticoagulants. However, not much has been discussed about the perioperative management of patients on DOACs during oral surgical procedures. Thus, we aim to determine the risk of perioperative and postoperative bleeding during oral surgical procedures in patients on DOACs.MethodsA detailed literature search was performed to find potentially relevant studies using the Cochrane Library, Clinical Key, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Scholar, Ovid, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Every article available for free in English literature for the past 10 years, between 2012 and 2022, was searched.ResultsA total of 2792 abstracts were selected through a search strategy across various search engines. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, eleven clinical studies using DOACs as anticoagulants or studies comparing patients with and without DOACs under oral surgery procedures were found. The results were inconsistent and varied, with a few studies recommending DOAC administration with the bare minimum reported complications and others finding no statistically significant difference between discontinuation or continuation of drugs, especially across basic dental procedures.ConclusionWithin the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that minor oral surgical procedures are safe for patients on DOAC therapy. However, the continuation or discontinuation of DOACs in patients undergoing oral surgical procedures remains controversial and requires further studies to extrapolate the results.

Impact of intraoperative blood products, fluid administration, and persistent hypothermia on bleeding leading to reexploration after cardiac surgery

ObjectiveRisk factors for severe postoperative bleeding after cardiac surgery remain multiple and incompletely elucidated. We evaluated the impact of intraoperative blood product transfusions, intravenous fluid administration, and persistently low core body temperature (CBT) at intensive care unit arrival on risk of perioperative bleeding leading to reexploration. MethodsWe retrospectively queried our tertiary care center's Society of Thoracic Surgeons Institutional Database for all index, on-pump, adult cardiac surgery patients between July 2016 and September 2022. Intraoperative fluid (crystalloid and colloid) and blood product administrations, as well as perioperative CBT data, were harvested from electronic medical records. Linear and nonlinear mixed models, treating surgeon as a random effect to account for inter-surgeon practice differences, were used to assess the association between above factors and reexploration for bleeding. ResultsOf 4037 patients, 151 (3.7%) underwent reexploration for bleeding. Reexplored patients experienced remarkably greater postoperative morbidity (23% vs 6%, P < .001) and 30-day mortality (14% vs 2%, P < .001). In linear models, progressively increasing IV crystalloid administration (adjusted odds ratio, 1.11, 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.19) and decreasing CBT on intensive care unit arrival (adjusted odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.37) were associated with greater risk of bleeding leading to reexploration. Nonlinear analysis revealed increasing risk after ∼6 L of crystalloid administration and a U-shaped relationship between CBT and reexploration risk. Intraoperative blood product transfusion of any kind was not associated with reexploration. ConclusionsWe found evidence of both dilution- and hypothermia-related effects associated with perioperative bleeding leading to reexploration in cardiac surgery. Interventions targeting modification of such risk factors may decrease the rate this complication.

Outcomes after emergency appendicectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis: a population-based cohort study from England

IntroductionThe mortality risk after appendicectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis is predicted to be higher than in the general population given the associated risk of perioperative bleeding, infections and liver decompensation. This population-based cohort study aimed to determine the 90-day mortality risk following emergency appendicectomy in patients with cirrhosis.MethodsAdult patients undergoing emergency appendicectomy in England between January 2001 and December 2018 were identified from two linked primary and secondary electronic healthcare databases, the clinical practice research datalink and hospital episode statistics data. Length of stay, re-admission, case fatality and the odds ratio of 90-day mortality were calculated for patients with and without cirrhosis, adjusting for age, sex and co-morbidity using logistic regression.ResultsA total of 40,353 patients underwent appendicectomy and of these 75 (0.19%) had cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis were more likely to be older (p < 0.0001) and have comorbidities (p < 0.0001). Proportionally, more patients with cirrhosis underwent an open appendicectomy (76%) compared with 64% of those without cirrhosis (p = 0.03). The 90-day case fatality rate was 6.67% in patients with cirrhosis compared with 0.56% in patients without cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis had longer hospital length of stay (4 (IQR 3–9) days versus 3 (IQR 2–4) days and higher readmission rates at 90 days (20% vs 11%, p = 0.019). Most importantly, their odds of death at 90 days were 3 times higher than patients without cirrhosis, adjusted odds ratio 3.75 (95% CI 1.35–10.49).ConclusionPatients with cirrhosis have a threefold increased odds of 90-day mortality after emergency appendicectomy compared to those without cirrhosis.

Neocapsular reconstruction for challenging partial nephrectomy: A feasibility study in a porcine model and recent clinical experience.

Multifocal renal masses and large central-endophytic tumors can be challenging for partial nephrectomy (PN) due to the paucity of capsule remaining after tumor removal. Our objective was to develop a neocapsule to provide tamponade and test its feasibility/safety in a porcine model. Eight live pigs (50-70 kg) underwent unclamped open right flank PN. Renal defects were 1 cm deep and had moderate ongoing venous bleeding. A 6 × 9 inch sheet of Nu-knit® was used for neocapsular reconstruction with Fibrillar™ packing to provide modest tamponade and preclude ongoing bleeding. Blood chemistry and hemoglobin (Hb) levels were drawn preoperatively and postoperative Days 3/5/8. On postoperative Day 8, euthanasia was performed, and both kidneys were inspected and analyzed for histologic changes. PN defects ranged from 1 × 1 × 1 cm to 4 × 2 × 1 cm; four pigs had PN performed in both poles and four in one pole. Neocapsular reconstruction was successful (n = 8), with no perioperative complications. Median baseline Hb was 10.4 g/dL, and median Hb postoperative Days 3/5/8 were 10.0/10.8/10.6 g/dL, respectively. Median baseline serum creatinine (SCr) was 1.9 mg/dL, and median SCr postoperative Days 3/5/8 were 1.5/1.4/1.5 mg/dL, respectively. At sacrifice, no significant hematomas were observed. Other than adjacent to the PN site, there were no significant histologic changes in the parenchyma for operative kidneys versus controls. Based on our experience, we recently performed neocapsular reconstruction safely/effectively after extensive PN for multifocal tumors and for an allograft with difficult-to-manage subcapsular hematoma. Neocapsular reconstruction after PN or capsular trauma appears feasible and safe and may be considered to reduce the risk of perioperative bleeding. However, further study will be needed to confirm the utility/efficacy of this approach.

Risk of bleeding requiring blood transfusion after transcatheter implantation of the aortic valve in patients with concomitant coronary artery disease

Introduction. Perioperative bleeding is a potentially life-threatening complication of surgical intervention. The incidence of perioperative bleeding during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) reaches 6%. An increased risk of perioperative bleeding is noted in patients requiring constant antiplatelet therapy, which includes patients with concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD).Aim. The study of risk factors of bleeding, which require blood transfusion in candidates for TAVI with concomitant CAD.Materials and methods. A retrospective study. The patients with concomitant CAD who underwent TAVI from 2016 to 2021 with hemodynamically significant coronary artery stenosis (n = 270) were included in this study. The incidence of early postoperative bleeding requiring blood transfusions was analyzed. Risk factors of bleeding development were evaluated.Results. The average age of the patients was 77.7 ± 7.2 years, the number of male and female patients was comparable (45.9 and 54.1%).The majority of patients were diagnosed with chronic heart failure (90.4%), more than half of the patients suffered from pulmonary hypertension (51.9%). The incidence of bleeding that required blood transfusion was 9.3%. The risk factors of the bleeding were dual antiplatelet therapy, baseline anemia (hemoglobin less than 120 g/l), history of stroke, chronic renal failure and critical aortic stenosis. The risk factors were included in the predictive model.Conclusion. Bleeding requiring blood transfusion in patients with severe aortic stenosis and CAD after TAVR occurs in 9.3%. It can be partially predicted using the predictive model. The using of the predictive model may be useful in determining the predominant risk of thrombotic or bleeding events after surgery.

Need to determine the residual concentrations of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing transcatheter implantation of the aortic valve

Introduction. Lengthening the period of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) withdrawal before intervention is not allowed. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), impaired liver function, extremely low or high body mass, chronic heart failure (CHF), and age &gt; 90 years can increase blood DOAC levels. DOAC therapy does not require routine laboratory monitoring. However, there are coagulation tests that can be used to detect the presence of a drug in blood. Duration of DOAC discontinuation and the appropriateness of assessing residual anticoagulant concentrations before intervention with a high bleeding risk in a special category of patients is to be defined.Aim. To measure residual concentrations of anticoagulants and their association with perioperative bleeding risk in patients with AF using DOACs in blood samples collected immediately before TAVI.Materials and methods. The 94 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) included in the study were characterized by senile age, a high risk of thromboembolic complication (ТС), many comorbidities, and a high prevalence of senile asthenia. The apixaban and rivaroxaban concentrations were measured according to the value of anti-Xa activity and control plasmas with normal levels of coagulation factors (Diagnostica Stago, France).Results. The median time of DOAC withdrawal before TAVI was 60 hours [47.5; 72]. However, the DOAC concentration exceeded 30 ng/ml in 1/5 patients (19.2%), and stage 3 or more CKD was more common in these patients. Our study showed the relationship between DOAC concentration and the duration of DOAC withdrawal period. However, the relationship between DOAC concentration and bleeding that occurred in the perioperative period could not be found. Patients with signs of CKD were older and had a lower BMI as compared to patients without CKD.Conclusion. Our data showed the relationship between the DOAC concentration and the duration of DOAC withdrawal period. No relationship was found between DOAC concentrations and bleeding.

The place of dabigatran in the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation in the light of modern recommendations

This review is devoted to the aspects of anticoagulant therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation in the light of the modern understanding of this type of arrhythmia as a polymorbid continuously developing syndrome. According to experts, the management strategy of this category of patients is based on an integrated assessment, including the risk of stroke, the presence of symptoms, assessment of structural heart disease and mandatory accounting of concomitant pathology. In this approach, the appointment of anticoagulant therapy as a prevention of stroke in a patient with atrial fibrillation is put in the first place. At the same time, experts emphasize the need for a dynamic reassessment of risks, as well as the use of a multidisciplinary team of specialists to make a complex decision. The review summarizes the basic concepts of the integrated approach, describes various variants of clinical scenarios, including aspects of anticoagulant maintenance of cardioversion and catheter ablation, multicomponent therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention. A separate chapter is devoted to modern algorithms of perioperative management of a patient receiving oral anticoagulants, which is based on the stratification of interventions according to the risk of perioperative bleeding and the characteristics of the anticoagulant prescribed to the patient. The place of dabigatran in the primary and secondary prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation is described, studies that served as the basis of the evidence base for the use of dabigatran in patients with atrial fibrillation are presented. The data of register observations, meta-analyses devoted to the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of dabigatran in certain categories of patients (elderly patients, patients with chronic heart failure, diabetes mellitus) are presented, which form the basis of decision-making in real clinical practice.

Error traps and preventative strategies for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis spinal surgery.

Anesthesia for posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains one of the most common surgeries performed in adolescents. These procedures have the potential for significant intraprocedural and postoperative complications. The potential for pressure injuries related to prone positioning must be understood and addressed. Additionally, neuromonitoring remains a mainstay for patient care in order to adequately assess patient neurologic integrity and alert the providers to a reversible action. As such, causes of neuromonitoring signal loss must be well understood, and the provider should have a systematic approach to signal loss. Further, anesthetic design must facilitate intraoperative wake-up to allow for a definitive assessment of neurologic function. Perioperative bleeding risk is high in posterior spinal fusion due to the extensive surgical exposure and potentially lengthy operative time, so the provider should undertake strategies to reduce blood loss and avoid coagulopathy. Pain management for adolescents undergoing spinal fusion is also challenging, and inadequate analgesia can delay recovery, impede patient/family satisfaction, increase the risk of chronic postsurgical pain/disability, and lead to prolonged opioid use. Many of the significant complications associated with this procedure, however, can be avoided with intentional and evidence-based approaches covered in this review.

Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Impact of a Novel Antithrombotic Drug Removal System to Reduce Bleeding Risk in Patients on Preoperative Ticagrelor Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

Antithrombotic drugs, including the P2Y12 inhibitor ticagrelor, increase the risk of perioperative bleeding in patients requiring urgent cardiac surgery. Perioperative bleeding can lead to increased mortality and prolong intensive care unit and hospital stays. A novel sorbent-filled hemoperfusion cartridge that intraoperatively removes ticagrelor via hemoadsorption can reduce the risk of perioperative bleeding. We estimated the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of using this device versus standard practices to reduce the risk of perioperative bleeding during and after coronary artery bypass grafting from the US healthcare sector perspective. We used a Markov model to analyze the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of the hemoadsorption device in three cohorts: (1) surgery within 1 day from last ticagrelor dose; (2) surgery between 1 and 2 days from last ticagrelor dose; and (3) a combined cohort. The model analyzed costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Results were interpreted as both incremental cost-effectiveness ratios and net monetary benefits (NMBs) at a cost-effectiveness threshold of $100,000/QALY. We analyzed parameter uncertainty using deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. The hemoadsorption device was dominant for each cohort. Patients with less than 1 day of washout in the device arm gained 0.017 QALYs at a savings of $1748(USD), for an NMB of $3434. In patients with 1-2 days of washout, the device arm yielded 0.014 QALYs and a cost savings of $151, for an NMB of $1575. In the combined cohort, device gained 0.016 QALYs and a savings of $950 for an NMB of $2505. Per-member-per-month cost savings associated with device was estimated to be $0.02 for a one-million-member health plan. This model found the hemoadsorption device to provide better clinical and economic outcomes compared with the standard of care in patients who required surgery within 2 days of ticagrelor discontinuation. Given the increasing use of ticagrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome, incorporating this novel device may represent an important part of any bundle to save costs and reduce harm.

PO-01-019 PRE-OPERATIVE DISCONTINUATION OF NOVEL ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS IN CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY: HOLD TIME IS ASSOCIATED WITH LENGTH OF STAY

Pre-operative discontinuation of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in cardiovascular surgery (CVS) is necessary to reduce peri-operative bleeding risks. However, there is little data on optimal pre-operative hold times for these agents and their effect on the length of stay (LOS). A retrospective evaluation of the effect of pre-operative NOAC hold times (i.e. ≤2 or ≥3 days) with or without heparin bridging, on LOS (i.e. hospital and ICU). Baseline and follow-up clinical data were collected for consecutive CVS patients treated with NOACs at a single tertiary care centre (2013-2016). After calculations of bivariate associations and between-group differences, multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate the association between NOAC hold times and post-operative complications and LOS. In 107 patients (age= 73.6±7.7 years, 72.9% male, 83.2% Atrial Fibrillation history), NOACs hold times ranged from: ≤2 days (Group 1, n= 17), ≥ 3 days without heparin (Group 2, n= 63), and ≥3 days with heparin (Group 3, n= 27). Mean LOS were respectively 20.0 (25.8), 7.6 (4.12), and 13.6 (8.21) days post-operation (Group 1- Group 2= 12.4 days; p= 0.001). In contrast, length of ICU stays did not differ between groups (3.6, 1.9, 3.1 days in groups 1-3 respectively, p= 0.17). Aside from significantly higher LOS among patients with major bleeding (15.3 vs. 8.2 days, p= 0.01) or a bleeding episode (18.1 vs. 8.3 days, p= 0.01), there were no significant differences in LOS according to baseline comorbidities or other CVS complications. Multivariate linear regression model, adjusted for age, sex, NOACs and procedure type (elective versus emergent), indicated significantly shorter LOS when NOACs were held ≥3 days without heparin (Group 2) compared to ≤2 days pre-op (Group 2: b= -11.70 [-17.94, -5.46], p< 0.001, Adj. R2= 0.19). Despite trending towards lower LOS, group 3 (i.e. ≥3 days with heparin) was not associated with significantly lower LOS (Group 3: b= -5.24 [-12.09, 1.61], p= 0.13). These findings persisted even after additional adjustment for major bleeding (Group 2: b= -10.46 [-16.62, -4.31], p= 0.001, Adj. R2= 0.23) or postoperative bleeding episode (Group 2: b= -9.30 [-15.45, -3.15], p= 0.003, Adj. R2= 0.26). Compared to NOACs held ≤2 days before CVS, holding NOACs for ≥3 days before CVS without heparin bridging was independently associated with shorter LOS, even after adjustment for differences in major bleeding.

PO-01-018 PRE-OPERATIVE DISCONTINUATION OF NOVEL ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS IN CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY: IS TWO DAYS ENOUGH?

Discontinuation of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) to minimize peri-operative bleeding risk is integral before invasive cardiovascular surgery (CVS). There is little data on the optimal number of days NOACs should be held pre-operatively in these patients. A retrospective evaluation of major bleeding, and its association with the number of days NOACs were held pre-operatively, and whether or not heparin bridging was used. Major bleeding was defined according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). Major bleeding is defined as: either a hemoglobin drop of >20 g/L, 2U blood transfusion, symptomatic/ critical organ bleeding, or fatal bleeding. Baseline and follow-up clinical information were collected for consecutive CVS patients treated with NOACs between 2013-2016 at a single tertiary care centre. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to evaluate major bleeding and post-operative bleeding risks associated with different NOACs hold periods. In 107 (72.9% male) patients (age= 73.6±7.7 years), 89 (83.2%) of whom had a history of Atrial Fibrillation (AF), NOACs were stopped on average 4.5±2.4 days pre-operation, including: 17 (Group 1) within ≤2 days, 63 (Group 2) ≥3 days without heparin, and 27 (Group 3) ≥3 days with heparin bridging. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline comorbidities between the three Groups. Major bleeding rates ranged from 58.8, 30.6, 55.6% (p= 0.03), and bleeding episode rates ranged between 52.9, 16.1, 44.4% (p= 0.002) in Groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, NOAC type, and procedure type (elective vs. emergent), showed that stopping NOAC ≥3 days (vs. ≤2 days) before surgery without heparin bridging (i.e. Group 2) was independently associated with a significantly lower risks of major bleeding (OR: 0.29 [0.08, 1.00], p= 0.05) and bleeding episode (OR: 0.16 [0.04, 0.61], p= 0.007). Compared to ≤2 days hold, NOAC hold of ≥3 days with heparin was not associated with lower risks of major bleeding (OR: 0.96 [0.25, 3.65], p= 0.95) and bleeding episode (OR: 0.77 [0.21, 2.91], p= 0.70). NOAC discontinuation ≥3 days without heparin bridging before CVS was associated with significantly lower risk of major bleeding and post-operative bleeding episode compared to the ≤2 days stop period.

MANAGEMENT OF SEVERE PERIOPERATIVE BLEEDING

Introduction. Perioperative bleeding remains a major complication during and after surgery, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence depends on numerous factors affecting the hemostasis system.&#x0D; Objective. Review of updated guidelines for the perioperative management of patients with severe bleeding&#x0D; Conclusions. Management of perioperative bleeding involves multiple assessments and strategies to ensure appropriate patient care. First of all, it is important to identify a group of patients with an increased risk of perioperative bleeding. Strategies to correct preoperative anemia and stabilize macro- and microcirculation should then be employed to optimize the patient's bleeding tolerance. Finally, targeted interventions should be used to reduce intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, and thus to reduce subsequent morbidity and mortality.

Perioperative Management of Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients Who Undergo Dental Procedures: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Network Meta-Analysis

The surgical dental treatment of subjects admitted for anticoagulants therapy represents a consistent risk for peri-operative bleeding. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical findings of dental surgery operative management of the patients under anticoagulants drugs protocol. The literature screening was performed using Pubmed/Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane library, considering only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) papers. No limitations about the publication's period, follow-up time or clinical parameters were considered. A total of eight RCTs were included for the qualitative synthesis. No thromboembolic complications were reported in any studies. Several bleeding episodes associated with anticoagulant drugs in dental surgery were mild and generally happened on the first day after the treatment. The use of local haemostatic measures is generally effective for bleeding control with no further pharmacological drug management or suspension.

Practice Patterns of Antithrombotic Therapy during the Early Postoperative Course of Cardiac Surgery

The current practices regarding the management of antithrombotic therapy during the early postoperative course of cardiac surgery are not well described. An online survey with multiple-choice questions was sent to cardiac anesthesiologists and intensivists from France. The response rate was 27% (n = 149), with 2/3 of the respondents having less than 10 years of experience. A total of 83% of the respondents reported using an institutional protocol for antithrombotic management. A total of 85% (n = 123) of the respondents regularly used low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) during the immediate postoperative course. For 23%, 38%, 9%, and 22% of the physicians, LMWH administration was initiated between the 4th and 6th hour, between the 6th and 12th hour, between the 12th and 24th hour, and on postoperative day 1, respectively. The main reasons for not using LMWH (n = 23) were a perceived increased risk of perioperative bleeding (22%), poor reversal compared with unfractionated heparin (74%), local habits and the refusal of surgeons (57%), and its overly complex management (35%). The modalities of LMWH use were widely varied among the physicians. Chest drains were mostly removed within 3 days of surgery with an unchanged dose of antithrombotic therapy. Regarding temporary epicardial pacing wire removal anticoagulation, 54%, 30%, and 17% of the respondents left the dose unchanged, suspended the anticoagulation, or lowered the anticoagulation dose, respectively. LMWH was inconsistently used after cardiac surgery. Further research is warranted to provide high-quality evidence regarding the benefits and safety of LMWH use early after cardiac surgery.