Current medical research and opinion
-
Bleeding after heart operations remains a common complication and contributes to morbidity and death. Recent studies have suggested that antiplatelet therapy (APT) may not increase homologous blood requirements in coronary bypass surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of APT therapy on haemorrhage and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass (CABG) on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). ⋯ This study suggests consideration should be given to delaying elective CABG for patients who have received APT treatment until APT is discontinued for at least 5 days.