Chris's Posts

Once your doctors know about your heart valve replacement they will bridge you with heparine (either shots or an IV) before, during and after your surgery. It is very rare that they would let you go without anticoagulants (especially if your mitral valve is involved) even for a very minor procedure. I have, alas, had many procedures since receiving my 2 mechanical valves 8 years ago and it always requires some anticoagulant planning (done by surgeons and/or anesthesiologists) in advance even for relatively simple procedures like needle biopsies or colonoscopies. But I always let the doctors direct me and they always do. You must always let doctors know that you are on anticoagulants and why. Take care. I hope your simple procedures go well.