Anticoagulation

Question 1

Prosthetic valves

Answer 1

• Mechanical valves, not bioprosthetic valves
• -INR goal 2.5-3 if aortic valve but 3.0 if mitral valve.
• -ASA 75-100mg in addition to warfarin for all mechanical valve.
• Use unfractionated heparin for all mechanical mitral valve patients having warfarin withheld for surgery

Question 2

High thromboembolic risk conditions

Answer 2

Mechanical aortic and mitral valves
Atrial fibrillation
Hypercoagulable state
LV dysfunction
Prior thromboembolic event