Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia In The Setting Of Urgent Cardiac Surgery: Can Bivalirudin Be A Safe Option? - A Case Report

Unfractionated heparin is the main anticoagulant employed in the context of cardiovascular surgery. When a patient with heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is proposed for cardiac surgery, the anticoagulation management is challenging. Bivalirudin is an alternative to heparin in the perioperative setting. We present a rare case of a patient with HIT and cardiogenic shock that required bivalirudin use in the perioperative period of an urgent reoperation of recurrent mitral valve dysfunction. Although infrequent, the use of bivalirudin can be safe in high risk patients if adequate measures follow institutional protocols, as reported in this case.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Case report of a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and cardiogenic shock who received bivalirudin for perioperative anticoagulation during urgent reoperation for recurrent mitral valve dysfunction; authors report it can be safe when institutional protocols are followed.

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