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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Consensus document: antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing coronary stenting. A
David P Faxon1, John W Eikelboom, Peter B Berger
1Division of Cardiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 1620 Tremont Street, OBC-3-12J, Boston, MA 02120, USA. dfaxon@partners.org
Insights
Optimal anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy after coronary stent placement in atrial fibrillation patients remains unclear. This guide assesses risks of stroke, stent thrombosis, and bleeding to recommend best antithrombotic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Optimal antithrombotic therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with coronary stents is undefined.
- Triple therapy (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin) increases bleeding risk.
- Lack of data limits national guideline recommendations.
Framework:
- Risk assessment balancing stroke, stent thrombosis, and major bleeding.
- Consideration of vascular access, stent choice, and proton-pump inhibitor use.
- Guidelines for the duration and use of triple therapy post-stent placement.
Implementation:
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for antithrombotic regimens.
- Integrate risk stratification into clinical decision-making.
- Educate clinicians on managing complex antithrombotic needs.
Implications:
- Improved patient outcomes through tailored antithrombotic strategies.
- Reduced incidence of bleeding and thrombotic events.
- Foundation for future clinical trials and guideline development.
Abstract:
The optimal regimen of the anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies in patients with atrial fibrillation who have had a coronary stent is unclear. It is well recognised that "triple therapy" with aspirin, clopidogrel, and warfarin is associated with an increased risk of bleeding. National guidelines have not made specific recommendations given the lack of adequate data. In choosing the best antithrombotic options for a patient, consideration needs to be given to the risks of stroke, stent thrombosis and major bleeding. This document describes these risks, provides specific recommendations concerning vascular access, stent choice, concomitant use of proton-pump inhibitors and the use and duration of triple therapy following stent placement based upon the risk assessment.
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