What is the current evidence and future direction for post-procedural antithrombotic management after left atrial appendage occlusion?
This review summarizes the current evidence and ongoing trials regarding antithrombotic regimens used to prevent device-related thrombosis after left atrial appendage occlusion.
Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an established alternative to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Antithrombotic therapy is used in the post-procedural period to prevent device-related thrombosis (DRT). The risk of DRT is considered highest in the first 45-90 days after device implantation, based on animal studies of the device healing process. Clinically applied antithrombotic regimens vary greatly across studies, continents, and centers. This article gives an overview of the evidence behind current antithrombotic regimens, ongoing randomized trials, and future post-procedural management.
Kramer et al. (Tue,) studied this question.