2026 American Association for Thoracic Surgery Expert Consensus Document: Diagnosis and management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in patients who undergo cardiac surgery

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in patients who undergo cardiac surgery presents unique diagnostic and management challenges due to universal perioperative heparin exposure, postoperative platelet kinetics, and the high prevalence of critical illness in this population. Current guidelines do not fully address these cardiac surgery-specific features, leading to practice variation in screening, diagnosis, anticoagulation management, and perioperative planning. Consolidated, practical, and evidence-based recommendations are needed that are tailored to cardiac surgery and to temporary mechanical circulatory support after cardiac surgery.