Postoperative Anticoagulation After Neurologic Surgery

Abstract

Management of anticoagulation and antiplatelet medications after neurosurgery can be complex, especially given that these patients have multiple medical comorbidities. In turn, neurosurgical patients are at high risk for the development of venous thromboembolism after surgery, so neurosurgeons must consider the use of pharmacologic prophylaxis. Developments in endovascular neurosurgery have produced therapies that require close management of antiplatelet medications to prevent postoperative complications. Any of these patient populations may need intrathecal access. This article highlights current strategies for managing these issues in the neurosurgical patient population.

Keywords: Anticoagulation; Antiplatelet; Atrial fibrillation; Intrathecal access; Mechanical heart valve; Pipeline; Stent-coil; VTE.