Heparin Insensitivity and Thrombotic Risk Associated With Sequential Uses of Prothrombin Complex Concentrate and Andexanet Alfa for Apixaban Reversal During Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Repair: A Case Report
Brian Brenner, Jessica Guerra, Campbell Williams, Keith E. Littlewood, John A. Kern, Kenichi A. Tanaka, John S. McNeil, Venkat Mangunta
Abstract
The management of patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) who require emergent cardiac surgery is slowly evolving. The introduction of andexanet alfa, a novel antidote for apixaban and rivaroxaban, added a specific reversal agent to our armamentarium, but its safety and efficacy are still being investigated. We report 2 patients on DOAC treatment who required emergency cardiac surgery. Both received perioperative andexanet alfa together with prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) at some time during 6 hours before operative management. Heparin resistance was noted in each instance, and pump thrombosis developed in 1 case.