Comparison of Antifactor Xa and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time Monitoring for Heparin Dosing in Vascular Surgery Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Background: Vascular surgery patients often require anticoagulation with intravenous unfractionated heparin monitored through antifactor Xa (anti-Xa) levels or the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). This study compares the 2 monitoring strategies in terms of major bleeding events in the vascular surgery population.

Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective study that included patients treated with a pharmacy-managed heparin protocol monitored by either anti-Xa or aPTT after vascular surgery.