Antithrombotic therapy in valvular heart disease and artificial valves

Abstract

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

• Native valves
• Mechanical prosthesis
• Bioprosthesis
• Anticoagulation
• Antiaggregation
• Unfractionated heparin
• Low molecular weight heparin
• Aspirin
• Thrombosis
• Embolism