Management of Life-Threatening Bleeding in the Anticoagulated Patient in the Emergency Department

The current treatment of critically-ill or critically-injured patients with life-threatening bleeding that present to the emergency department (ED) or critical care unit is complicated. When a patient treated with an anticoagulant present to the ED, intensive care unit, or operating room with severe, uncontrolled bleeding, the achievement of rapid controlled hemostasis is extremely important to saving the patient’s life. The current approach and disease indications for treatment with anticoagulants such as coumadin, Factor IIa, and Factor Xa inhibitors are particularly relevant. This program is highlighted by the presentation of cases managed by experts in emergency medicine, critical care medicine, hospital medicine, and trauma surgery.