STS, SCA, and AmSECT have released new clinical practice guidelines; the new guidelines include recommendations for the use of blood thinning medication (anticoagulants) during heart surgery.
The new clinical practice guidelines offer evidence-based recommendations that include:
• Optimal heparin dosing for initiation and maintenance of cardiopulmonary bypass;
• Identification of contraindications to the use of heparin;
• Options for alternatives to heparin; and
• Ideal methods for reversal of anticoagulation after CPB.