MVC Anticoagulation Clinic

Warfarin (Coumadin®) is used to "thin" the blood in a variety of cardiac conditions including atrial fibrillation and prosthetic valve replacement. Unlike aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix®), the degree of anticoagulation is often quite variable and can change depending on the patients diet, concurrent medications and ongoing illnesses. This variability can lead to clot formation on the one hand, or bleeding on the other. In order to maintain a proper therapeutic balance, blood needs to be sampled routinely and adjustments in the dose of warfarin often need to be made.

MVC recognizes the difficulty in using this medication properly and has a clinic dedicated to monitoring hundreds of patients on this therapy. Sharon Hamel, R.N., B.S.N, has been in charge of our clinic since 2006 and has used her expertise and care in helping our patients use warfarin correctly. The rest of the team includes Lynne Baril, Pamela LaBranche, Joan Munroe, Madeline Nolan and Jean West. Each member of our team is experienced in adjusting warfarin dosing and addressing most of the common questions that may arise.

In order to make anticoagulation monitoring easier for our patients, we also have devices which can monitor a patient's level of anticoagulation with a small needle prick of the finger tip. This device not only allows the patient to avoid an unnecessary blood draw out of a vein, but it also allows us to make any adjustment in coumadin (if necessary), before the patient leaves the office. This can be a great convenience for the patient who otherwise had their blood drawn and then must wait at home for a phone call to know whether or not any adjustment in their coumadin needs to be made.

 

To find out more about the use of warfarin click here