Innovative strategies in coagulation management for cardiothoracic surgery: a narrative review of pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches

Abstract The challenging management of coagulation in cardiothoracic surgery requires a multifaceted approach. The use of pharmacological interventions such as tranexamic acid, heparin, and aprotinin minimizes bleeding but increases the associated risks of renal impairment and seizures. However, apr...

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Main Authors: Aleena Ihtasham, Sahla Waqas, Muhammad Hamza, Haider Imran, Saraiba Sabar Chaudhary, Tayyaba Qayyum, Sadia Batool, Nimarta Devi, Muhammad Ali Muzammil, Malik Olatunde Oduoye
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13019-025-03406-w
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author Aleena Ihtasham
Sahla Waqas
Muhammad Hamza
Haider Imran
Saraiba Sabar Chaudhary
Tayyaba Qayyum
Sadia Batool
Nimarta Devi
Muhammad Ali Muzammil
Malik Olatunde Oduoye
author_facet Aleena Ihtasham
Sahla Waqas
Muhammad Hamza
Haider Imran
Saraiba Sabar Chaudhary
Tayyaba Qayyum
Sadia Batool
Nimarta Devi
Muhammad Ali Muzammil
Malik Olatunde Oduoye
author_sort Aleena Ihtasham
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The challenging management of coagulation in cardiothoracic surgery requires a multifaceted approach. The use of pharmacological interventions such as tranexamic acid, heparin, and aprotinin minimizes bleeding but increases the associated risks of renal impairment and seizures. However, aprotinin has been replaced by tranexamic acid for safety reasons. Supplementing nonpharmacological techniques, such as hemostatic agents and mechanical devices, with these pharmacological strategies can enhance surgical coagulation management. During cardiopulmonary bypass, factors such as hypothermia, acidosis, and fibrinolysis worsen coagulation disturbances, and protamine sulfate is administered for heparin reversal during the procedure. Point-of-care devices, including thromboelastography (TEG®) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®), provide real-time monitoring of coagulation, hence guiding clinical interventions effectively, and have demonstrated a reduction in postoperative bleeding. Nonetheless, tailored approaches are critical, especially in patients with preexisting coagulation disorders as well as in pediatric surgery. Pharmacogenomics also plays a role in selecting appropriate dosages and minimizing adverse outcomes. Recent advancements in this context include novel hemostatic agents, prothrombin complex concentrates, and direct oral anticoagulants. Future research should not only explore the combined use of pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies but also evaluate the long-term effects and cost-effectiveness of integrated approaches during cardiothoracic surgery, particularly in high-risk populations.
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spelling doaj-art-bb08ca2a752a43e4abfe91d3a27f47172025-08-20T03:43:34ZengBMCJournal of Cardiothoracic Surgery1749-80902025-07-0120113410.1186/s13019-025-03406-wInnovative strategies in coagulation management for cardiothoracic surgery: a narrative review of pharmacological and nonpharmacological approachesAleena Ihtasham0Sahla Waqas1Muhammad Hamza2Haider Imran3Saraiba Sabar Chaudhary4Tayyaba Qayyum5Sadia Batool6Nimarta Devi7Muhammad Ali Muzammil8Malik Olatunde Oduoye9King Edward Medical UniversityKing Edward Medical UniversityAllama Iqbal Medical CollegeFoundation University Medical CollegeKing Edward Medical UniversityKing Edward Medical UniversityKing Edward Medical UniversityLiaquat University of Medical & Health SciencesDow University of Health SciencesThe Medical Research CircleAbstract The challenging management of coagulation in cardiothoracic surgery requires a multifaceted approach. The use of pharmacological interventions such as tranexamic acid, heparin, and aprotinin minimizes bleeding but increases the associated risks of renal impairment and seizures. However, aprotinin has been replaced by tranexamic acid for safety reasons. Supplementing nonpharmacological techniques, such as hemostatic agents and mechanical devices, with these pharmacological strategies can enhance surgical coagulation management. During cardiopulmonary bypass, factors such as hypothermia, acidosis, and fibrinolysis worsen coagulation disturbances, and protamine sulfate is administered for heparin reversal during the procedure. Point-of-care devices, including thromboelastography (TEG®) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®), provide real-time monitoring of coagulation, hence guiding clinical interventions effectively, and have demonstrated a reduction in postoperative bleeding. Nonetheless, tailored approaches are critical, especially in patients with preexisting coagulation disorders as well as in pediatric surgery. Pharmacogenomics also plays a role in selecting appropriate dosages and minimizing adverse outcomes. Recent advancements in this context include novel hemostatic agents, prothrombin complex concentrates, and direct oral anticoagulants. Future research should not only explore the combined use of pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies but also evaluate the long-term effects and cost-effectiveness of integrated approaches during cardiothoracic surgery, particularly in high-risk populations.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13019-025-03406-wCoagulation managementCardiothoracic surgeryPharmacological strategiesNonpharmacological strategiesPerioperative careSurgical outcomes
spellingShingle Aleena Ihtasham
Sahla Waqas
Muhammad Hamza
Haider Imran
Saraiba Sabar Chaudhary
Tayyaba Qayyum
Sadia Batool
Nimarta Devi
Muhammad Ali Muzammil
Malik Olatunde Oduoye
Innovative strategies in coagulation management for cardiothoracic surgery: a narrative review of pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Coagulation management
Cardiothoracic surgery
Pharmacological strategies
Nonpharmacological strategies
Perioperative care
Surgical outcomes
title Innovative strategies in coagulation management for cardiothoracic surgery: a narrative review of pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches
title_full Innovative strategies in coagulation management for cardiothoracic surgery: a narrative review of pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches
title_fullStr Innovative strategies in coagulation management for cardiothoracic surgery: a narrative review of pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches
title_full_unstemmed Innovative strategies in coagulation management for cardiothoracic surgery: a narrative review of pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches
title_short Innovative strategies in coagulation management for cardiothoracic surgery: a narrative review of pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches
title_sort innovative strategies in coagulation management for cardiothoracic surgery a narrative review of pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches
topic Coagulation management
Cardiothoracic surgery
Pharmacological strategies
Nonpharmacological strategies
Perioperative care
Surgical outcomes
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13019-025-03406-w
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