Perioperative stroke

Abstract

abs Perioperative stroke is an important and potentially modifiable peril for patients undergoing surgery. Anesthesia providers can play an important role in optimizing patients in the perioperative period. Most strokes are thromboembolic in origin and occur postoperatively. Preoperative preventive measures such as medical therapy with ASA and statins, bridging anticoagulant therapy when indicated, and delaying elective surgery for one month following stroke may reduce the occurrence of perioperative stroke. It is importantto recognize which patients and procedures are associated with higher perioperative stroke risk since diagnosis is often delayed and current treatments options are limited.