Bridging with Tirofiban During Temporary Withdrawal of Oral Antiplatelets for Two Major Surgical Procedures in High Ischaemic Risk Patients

Recent coronary stent implantation requires Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT) for at least 6 months. Serious issues are raised when non-cardiac surgery is required during this period, because of the balance between ischemic and haemorrhagic complications.

We report 2 high ischemic risk cases requiring intermediate bleeding risk non-cardiac surgery, during the first month of DAPT initiation. Perioperative management with discontinuation of the P2Y12 inhibitor and bridging with tirofiban, while aspirin was uninterrupted, was uneventful.

Bridging with intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors may be a safe and effective alternative to P2Y12 inhibitor discontinuation in non-deferrable non-cardiac surgery.