Cor Vasa 2013, 55(2):e158-e163 | DOI: 10.1016/j.crvasa.2013.01.008

Antithrombotic therapy in valvular heart disease and artificial valves

Hana Línková^*, Róbert Petr

III. interní-kardiologická klinika, Kardiocentrum 3. lékařské fakulty Univerzity Karlovy a Fakultní nemocnice Královské Vinohrady, Praha, Česká republika

The article summarizes the current recommendations and knowledge for the treatment of patients with artificial valves. The attention is focused on antithrombotic therapy after valve replacement, including possible complications of the treatment, particularly thromboembolic and bleeding complications. We review the procedures when the anticoagulation must be interrupted. The possibilities of improving therapy in patients that require permanent anticoagulation and the outlook for the future are discussed.

Keywords: Antiagregation; Anticoagulation; Aspirin; Bioprosthesis; Embolism; Low molecular weight heparin; Mechanical prosthesis; Native valves; Thrombosis; Unfractionated heparin

Received: November 23, 2012; Revised: January 18, 2013; Accepted: January 20, 2013; Published: April 1, 2013  Show citation