Perioperative Antifibrinolytics and Coagulation Management

Post-cardiopulmonary bypass coagulopathy is a common and important cause of patient morbidity after cardiac surgery. In most patients, the aetiology is multifactorial and can involve platelet defects, coagulation factor deficiencies, and increased fibrinolysis. Now a better understanding of the coagulation cascade along with improvements in coagulation testing modalities has led to the refinement of blood transfusion protocols and guides the use of other therapeutic adjuncts. Timely treatment of perioperative bleeding and optimal blood management is vitally important to improving postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.