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Updated: Nov 29, 2025

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Novel oral anticoagulants in intracardiac thrombosis resolution: a case series
Mohammed Al-Sadawi1, Jonathan Francois1, Romy Rodriguez Ortega1
1Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY Downstate, 450 Clarkson Ave Box 1199, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
Insights
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) show promise for treating intracardiac thrombosis, offering potential for superior thrombus resolution compared to traditional therapies. This study supports DOACs as an effective option for left atrial appendage thrombi.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) have historically been the standard treatment for intracardiac thrombosis, primarily based on observational data.
- Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are now first-line for many thrombotic conditions, but their role in intracardiac thrombosis is still evolving.
- Emerging evidence suggests DOACs may be effective, potentially offering better thrombus resolution than warfarin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in treating left atrial appendage thrombi.
- To contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting DOACs for intracardiac thrombosis.
Main Methods:
- A case series of six patients with left atrial appendage thrombi was analyzed.
- Patients were treated with a standard venous thromboembolic dose of DOACs.
Main Results:
- Complete resolution of left atrial appendage thrombi was observed in all six patients.
- Thrombus resolution occurred within a 2-6 month treatment period.
- No complications were reported during the treatment course.
Conclusions:
- This case series supports the use of DOACs as an effective treatment for intracardiac thrombi.
- DOACs represent a viable alternative for managing left atrial appendage thrombosis.
Background:
Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) have been regarded as the therapy of choice for intracardiac thrombosis for decades based mostly on observational data. The advent of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has displaced VKAs as the first-line therapy for multiple thrombotic disorders but not for intracardiac thrombosis. Although limited, there is growing evidence that DOACs are effective for intracardiac thrombosis and some data suggest that thrombus resolution might be superior to that with warfarin.
Case Summary:
Here, we present a series of six patients with left atrial appendage thrombi were treated with a venous thromboembolic dose of DOACs with resolution within 2-6 months with no reported complications.
Discussion:
This case series adds to the accumulating evidence supporting the efficacy of DOACs in the treatment of intracardiac thrombi.
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