Using new oral anticoagulants in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery.

Overview

Four new oral anticoagulants (NOAC), apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, and dabigatran, are now available in the USA; however, only apixaban and rivaroxaban are FDA approved for the prevention of venous thromboembolism following orthopedic surgery. Apixaban, rivaroxaban, and edoxaban's anticoagulant activity can be measured using a chromogenic anti-factor Xa assay but there is no widely available means of measuring dabigatran blood levels. None of the NOAC has an antidote. Dabigatran is 80% renally excreted, and patients with atrial fibrillation taking dabigatran for stroke prevention should stop the drug 4-5 days prior to major orthopedic surgery. Apixaban, rivaroxaban, and edoxaban should be held for 48 h preoperatively in this setting.