Perioperative Heparin Bridging in Patients With Mechanical Aortic Valves Undergoing Elective Surgery: The AMBER Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The benefit-risk balance of perioperative low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) bridging in patients with bileaflet mechanical aortic valves undergoing elective procedures is uncertain. While intended to prevent thromboembolism during warfarin interruption, LMWH may increase bleeding risk without a proven efficacy benefit.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the rates of thromboembolism and bleeding associated with different peri-operative LMWH bridging strategies compared to no bridging in this patient population.

Methods

In a multicenter retrospective cohort study, 553 patients requiring warfarin interruption were classified into 3 main analysis groups: preoperative and postoperative LMWH (n = 232), preoperative-only LMWH (n = 81), postoperative-only LM

SUBMITTER: Godoy A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12860947 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature