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Updated: Apr 21, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
[Thrombosis of a mechanical prosthetic mitral valve during dabigatran treatment]
Jakob Hartvig Thomsen1, Jesper Kjaergaard, Laura Trolle Saust
1Hjertemedicinsk Klinik B, Hjertecentret, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 København Ø. jakob@jht.dk.
Abstract:
Dabigatran has been approved for prevention of thromboembolic complications in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. We present a case of thrombosis of a mechanical prosthetic mitral valve during anticoagulation with dabigatran, switched from warfarin. The patient presented with cardiogenic shock, was treated with thrombolytic therapy and discharged with warfarin therapy. Dabigatran in patients with mechanical valve prosthesis should be avoided and echocardiography is indicated if dyspnoea develops in such patients.
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