Anticoagulation Options for Cranial Procedures: A Comparative Review of Aspirin, Plavix, and Aggrastat

Cureus. 2023 Aug 22;15(8):e43899. doi: 10.7759/cureus.43899. eCollection 2023 Aug.

Abstract

Anticoagulation therapy is critical to avoiding thrombotic events in patients following cranial surgery. Although Aspirin, Plavix, and Aggrastat are used as anticoagulants for this purpose, there is no consensus on which agent is the most effective and safe. In this comparative study, we analyze the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of these three anticoagulants in the context of cranial surgeries. This review focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of each anticoagulant, such as its pharmacokinetics, indications, contraindications, and possible consequences. The outcomes of this study will help physicians choose the best anticoagulant for their patients based on individual patient characteristics and the kind of cranial procedure. Aggrastat's potential to be included as a recommended anticoagulant for cranial procedures warrants further study.

Keywords: aggrastat; aspirin; cranial surgery; intraoperative/postoperative anticoagulation; plavix.

Publication types

  • Review