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

Background: 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. Case Reports: 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. Conclusion: 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.