For ADP receptor antagonist antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor and prasugrel), the risk of adverse cardiovascular events, if antiplatelet agents are omitted, must be balanced with the risk of bleeding, if continued.
Where possible, avoid a general anaesthetic and/or surgery:
- Within 6 months of a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- Within 4 weeks of elective PCI (stable angina)
- Within 3 months of urgent PCI (acute coronary syndrome).
- Consider discussion with Consultant Cardiologist if not possible to delay post PCI.
- If surgery cannot be deferred, it should generally proceed on aspirin with temporary discontinuation of the ADP receptor antagonist.
- Aspirin can be continued without interruption for almost all surgeries, but may need to be stopped for very high bleeding risk or confined space surgery as there is evidence that the bleeding risk may be increased.
With clopidogrel, prasugrel or ticagrelor, there is a risk of spinal or epidural haematoma if continued prior to neuroaxial anaesthesia. Low dose aspirin is considered safe for neuroaxial blockade.
Assessment of bleeding and cardiovascular/ thrombotic risks
For consideration of cardiovascular/thrombotic risk, see flowchart below. Note evidence is lacking in this area and it is important to explore risks and benefits of omitting therapy for individual patients
Flowchart 1: for the management of patients on the antiplatelet agents: clopidogrel, ticagrelor or prasugrel undergoing surgery or invasive procedures
Patient receiving antiplatelets should still receive thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin as per NHS Highland guidance.
Stopping antiplatelet agents prior to surgery
Table 1: timing of cessation of antiplatelets prior to surgery
Antiplatelet agent | Went to stop for surgery |
Aspirin | Can continue (unless confined space or very high bleeding risk surgery (discuss with anaesthetist/surgeon)) |
Clopidogrel | 7 days |
Prasugrel | 7 days |
Ticagrelor | 5 days |
Restarting antiplatelet agents
- Antiplatelet agents that have been omitted should be restarted as directed by the surgeon, when bleeding risk is acceptable.
- Where aspirin has been commenced as an alternative, this should be stopped when usual therapy is restarted. In most cases this will be the morning after the surgery, unless there are ongoing bleeding concerns or the patient may need to return to theatre.
- For patients who have undergone carotid endarterectomy within 21 days of TIA or stroke, DAPT may be stopped post-procedure and the patient continued on long-term clopidogrel monotherapy.
Emergency surgery in patients on antiplatelet therapy
- Where high bleeding-risk surgery is indicated and time does not allow stopping of antiplatelets for the durations recommended above, there is some evidence that platelet transfusion may improve haemostasis. Discuss with on-call haematologist, available via switchboard.
- Consider use of pre-operative tranexamic acid.