Final answer:
The management of warfarin for patients with mechanical heart valves depends on the nature of the procedure, being different for minor versus major procedures, and requires individualized patient assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the question pertains to the management of warfarin therapy for patients with mechanical heart valves who are undergoing medical procedures. The complexities of managing warfarin in such scenarios involve assessing the risk of thromboembolism versus the risk of bleeding and may differ depending on whether the procedure is minor or major. Generally, for minor procedures, warfarin might be continued with careful monitoring, while for major procedures, a more sophisticated approach involving the temporary cessation of warfarin and bridging with heparin may be required. Detailed management should always be individualized based on the patient's risks and the specifics of the procedure.
Regarding the reference information provided, Coumadin, which is a brand name for warfarin, is indeed used to prevent blood clots in patients at risk for stroke or heart attack. However, there's a risk of overdose with variable effects based on liver function. Pharmacogenomics can tailor medication to a patient's genetic profile, helping to prevent adverse drug reactions and overdose by predicting how a patient will metabolize warfarin.