What type of anticoagulant is commonly used in the perioperative setting?

Heparin is commonly used in the perioperative setting due to its rapid onset of action, controllable dosing, and the ability to rapidly reverse its effects. It is, therefore, particularly useful in managing patients who require anticoagulation close to or during surgical procedures. In addition, heparin can be given subcutaneously or intravenously, allowing for flexible administration depending on the clinical situation.

In the perioperative context, heparin is often used for prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients who are at increased risk, especially in situations where there might be prolonged immobility or surgical manipulation of venous structures. Its effectiveness is due in part to its ability to inhibit thrombin and factor Xa, thus preventing clot formation.

Other anticoagulants, while they have their own indications, are less favored in the immediate perioperative setting. Warfarin, for instance, has a delayed onset and requires monitoring of INR levels, making it less suitable for immediate adjustment around the time of surgery. Aspirin and clopidogrel are antiplatelet agents rather than anticoagulants; although they can also have roles in certain surgical settings, they do not provide the same breadth of anticoagulation as