ARTICLE

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of a hospital-based perioperative outpatient program for patients at risk for thromboembolic complications who require temporary interruption of oral anticoagulants for dental, surgical, or diagnostic procedures. Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed with consecutive high-risk patients receiving long-term oral anticoagulant therapy who required surgical procedures during a 12-month study period. High-risk patients were defined as those with recent or recurrent venous thromboembolism, atrial fibrillation and a major risk factor, one or more mechanical heart valves, or congestive heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%. Warfarin was discontinued 5 days before the procedure, and 1 of 3 dalteparin regimen