Table 1

Discontinuation rules for dabigatran before invasive or surgical procedure8 14 15

Stop dabigatran before elective surgery
Renal function (CrCl (ml/min))Estimated half-life(h)Major surgery or high bleeding risk*Non-major surgery or standard risk†
>80∼1348 h before24 h before
>50 and <80∼1548–72 h before24–48 h before
>30 and <50∼1896 h before48–72 h before
  • *Examples of major surgery/high bleeding risk: cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, major abdominal or pelvic surgery, major orthopaedic surgery, insertion of cardiac pacemaker/defibrillator.

  • †Examples of non-major surgery/standard risk: uncomplicated laparoscopic procedure, cardiac catheterisation/ablation therapy.

  • CrCl, creatinine clearance.