Novel antithrombotic agents and the risk of bleeding.

Many coronary patients on antiplatelet (PLT) drugs require coronary artery bypass grafting surgery under conditions that may not allow sufficient time for or warrant discontinuation of anti-PLT treatment. Recent clinical data show that intraoperative aprotinin significantly reduces postoperative bleeding and transfusion requirements in this patient population. If surgical bleeding persists, the administration of Factor VIIa should be considered.