Abstract WMP119: Short Term Use of Direct Oral Anticoagulants is Not Associated With Decreased Bleeding in High Risk Patients Following Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure

• Published in: Stroke (1970) 2020-02, Vol.51 (Suppl_1)
• Main Authors: Farhat, Salman, Adedinsewo, Demilade, Sennhauser, Susie, Winder, Jeffrey, Salwa, Najiyah, Venkatachalam, K.L., Pollak, Peter, Parikh, Pragnesh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0039-2499; 1524-4628
• DOI: 10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.WMP119

Abstract only Introduction: Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure is well established as an alternative to anticoagulation therapy for stroke prophylaxis among patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) with relative or absolute contraindications to anticoagulation. Only the Watchman® (BSC) device has FDA approval for this indication. There are no current guidelines on the choice of short term antithrombotic therapy following placement of the Watchman® device. The landmark Watchman® clinical trials utilized warfarin and aspirin in the first 45 days to facilitate endothelialization; however these studies were started prior to direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) becoming widely available. Our main objective was to compare bleeding outcomes with warfarin vs. DOACs following Watchman® device placement. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients who received a Watchman® device at all three Mayo Clinic sites (MN, FL, AZ) between January 2010 and December 2018 with follow up for outcomes at 45 days or 6 weeks following procedure. We conducted bivariate analysis using t-tests and chi-square tests as appropriate. A logistic regression model was constructed to evaluate the effect of anticoagulant choice on bleeding and thromboembolic outcomes. Clinically significant bleeding was defined as bleeding leading to interruption of anticoagulation regimen or requiring transfusion. Results: 232 patients were identified (33% female), mean age in years, CHADS2VASC score and HASBLED scores were 77, 5 and 4 respectively. Overall, 39% were initiated on non-warfarin therapies and 11% had a significant bleeding episode during follow up. There was no difference in clinically significant bleeding events (11% vs. 12%; OR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.32 – 2.65) with short term DOAC use compared to warfarin. Patients who received a Watchman® due to GI bleeding were more likely to have a bleeding event in the first 6 weeks following Watchman® (OR: 4.08, 95% CI: 1.30 – 12.75). Conclusion: This observational study demonstrates no significant difference in bleeding episodes with DOACs compared to warfarin during the first 6 weeks following Watchman® device placement in patients at high risk for bleeding. Larger prospective studies are needed.