Clinical Use of Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Reversal: Consideration for Vascular Surgeons

Since their first approval in 2010, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have become attractive for anticoagulant treatment. DOACs are indicated for the prevention and treatment of several cardiovascular conditions and have now emerged as leading therapeutic options. Every year, large number of patients receiving DOACs routinely are scheduled for invasive surgical procedures and need specific perioperative management. Moreover, recently published trials have provided arguments for a larger future use of DOACs, including during the postoperative period after vascular surgery and for high-risk cardiovascular patients. In this communication, we discuss the perioperative management of DOACs for patients undergoing vascular surgery.