Novel Anticoagulant Agents in the Perioperative Setting

Abstract

An increasing number of oral anticoagulants have become available over the past decade. Each of these agents has differing implications on both regional and neuraxial anesthetic techniques. This article describes the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of the most commonly used novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs). It also outlines recent guidelines for the use of NOACs in the perioperative setting, especially with regard to neuraxial anesthesia.

Keywords: ASRA guidelines; Anticoagulation; Neuraxial anesthesia; Novel oral anticoagulants; Perioperative management; Regional anesthesia.