Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing coronary stenting: a North American
David P Faxon1, John W Eikelboom, Peter B Berger
1Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 1620 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02120, USA. dfaxon@partners.org
Insights
For patients with atrial fibrillation and coronary stents, optimal antithrombotic therapy balancing stroke, stent thrombosis, and bleeding risks remains unclear. This summary offers guidance on managing these complex treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Optimal antithrombotic therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation and coronary stents is not well-defined.
- Triple therapy (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin) increases bleeding risk.
- National guidelines lack specific recommendations due to insufficient data.
Discussion:
- Balancing risks of stroke, stent thrombosis, and major bleeding is crucial.
- Considerations include vascular access, stent choice, and proton pump inhibitor use.
- Recommendations focus on the duration and use of triple therapy post-stent placement.
Key Insights:
- Current data is insufficient for definitive national guidelines on antithrombotic therapy in this patient group.
- Risk assessment is paramount in selecting appropriate antithrombotic strategies.
- Specific recommendations are provided for managing triple therapy after coronary stent placement.
Outlook:
- Further research is needed to establish optimal antithrombotic regimens.
- Individualized treatment plans based on patient risk factors are essential.
- Future guidelines will likely incorporate more precise recommendations for this complex patient population.
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 recognized 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 executive summary 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 after stent placement, based on the risk assessment.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Angina IV: Management
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...

