P299 WATCHMAN DEVICE THROMBOSIS FOLLOWING THE PERCUTANEOUS CLOSURE OF THE LEFT ATRIUM APPENDAGE: A "CUL–DE–SAC" IN THE ANTITHROMBOTIC STRATEGY

Abstract

Abstract Background The percutaneous closure of the left atrium appendage (LAA) is a valuable therapeutic tool in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have contraindications to anticoagulant drugs. However, the procedure can lead to complications and the device positioning determines a risk of thrombosis that can‘t be underestimated, especially during the first period from the intervention. Clinical Case In this report we propose the case of a 72 years old man in chronic therapy with NOAC (non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants) for a paroxysmal AF (CHA2DS2–VASC = 3), that presented intracranial hemorrhage after 3 years due to a cerebral arteriovenous malformation. This condition represents an absolute contraindication to anticoagulant therapy, because of the high hemorrhagic risk, and led to the percutaneous device positioning (WATCHMAN 24 mm) for LAA closure. After the implantation procedure we started a single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) with clopidogrel 75 mg for 6 months. At one month follow–up a trans–esophageal echocardiogram (TEE) showed the presence of a swinging samll trombotic formation (4x2,5 mm) attached to the device. At that time antithrombotic therapy with enoxaparin 6000 IU was started, in addition to SAPT. Ten days later, another TEE showed the thrombus resolution and we decided to continue with clopidogrel alone. No relevant clinical events were observed to the subsequent follow–up. Discussion Current recommendations suggest double antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for 1–6 months followed by SAPT, in patients who have absolute contraindication to anticoagulant drugs, or SAPT for at least 1 month in those who have an extreme hemorrhagic risk. LAA closure device thrombosis affects 3% of patients and represents an independent predictor of cerebral ischemic events, according to various registers and meta–analyses. This event determines an indication to anticoagulant therapy in patients who would have an absolute contraindication, creating a difficult management that assume clinical relevance. In our experience a 10 days therapy with heparin added to SAPT led to thrombosis resolution. However the therapeutic management of these complications is currently not standardized and more studies are needed.