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Antithrombotic Therapy: Evaluation of the Safety of Performing Core Needle Biopsy of the Breast Without Suspending Medication

Patrice Cameron

Jana Lesko

Marla R. London

anticoagulants, antiplatelets, antithrombotic therapy, core needle breast biopsy
CJON 2018, 22(1), E18-E22. DOI: 10.1188/18.CJON.E18-E22

Background: Patients are increasingly presenting for outpatient breast biopsy while taking medically necessary antithrombotic therapy. Cessation of this medication prior to biopsy increases patients’ risk of vascular complications.

Objectives: This article evaluates the safety of performing core needle biopsies of the breast in patients without suspending prescription antithrombotic therapy.

Methods: In this retrospective chart review study, patients continued prescription antithrombotic therapy prior to and including the day of biopsy. Follow-up telephone assessment, relying on patient self-report, was completed on the same or next business day. The chart review included report of bleeding as a postprocedure complication.

Findings: None of the 42 women who completed core needle biopsy of the breast while on antithrombotic therapy reported postdischarge bleeding, and 2 reported hematoma, supporting the safety of continuing antithrombotic therapy in patients who undergo core needle biopsy of the breast.

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