New FactFinder on Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents for CMBRFN

Myth: Therapeutic anticoagulation (AC) and antiplatelet (APT) agents should be discontinued prior to cervical medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy (CMBRFN) due to serious hemorrhagic risks.

Fact: No clinically significant hemorrhagic complication has been reported in the medical literature in association with a CMBRFN procedure. Studies comparing serious risks of continuing versus discontinuing AC and APT agents for CMBRFN procedures are underpowered, but suggest that discontinuation, specifically of warfarin, may carry greater risk of permanent neurologic compromise. The decision to withhold antiplatelet therapy prior to a CMBRFN procedure should be made on a case-by-case basis, weighing the relative risks of hemorrhage versus the risk of thrombosis for each patient.

Click here to download this new free IPSIS FactFinder to delve deeper into the evidence. Explore the many other FactFinders at IPSISmed.org/FactFinders.

Help sustain this vital dissemination of patient safety information with your donations. The International Pain and Spine Intervention Society (IPSIS) is a tax exempt organization under US section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law.