Cited 12 times since 2014 (1.2 per year) source: EuropePMC Netherlands heart journal : monthly journal of the Netherlands Society of Cardiology and the Netherlands Heart Foundation, Volume 22, Issue 2, 1 1 2014, Pages 64-69 Antithrombotic therapy in patients undergoing TAVI: an overview of Dutch hospitals. Nijenhuis VJ, Stella PR, Baan J, Brueren BR, de Jaegere PP, den Heijer P, Hofma SH, Kievit P, Slagboom T, van den Heuvel AF, van der Kley F, van Garsse L, van Houwelingen KG, Van't Hof AW, Ten Berg JM

Purpose

To assess current antithrombotic treatment strategies in the Netherlands in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods

For every Dutch hospital performing TAVI (n = 14) an interventional cardiologist experienced in performing TAVI was interviewed concerning heparin, aspirin, thienopyridine and oral anticoagulation treatment in patients undergoing TAVI.

Results

The response rate was 100 %. In every centre, a protocol for antithrombotic treatment after TAVI was available. Aspirin was prescribed in all centres, concomitant clopidogrel was prescribed 13 of the 14 centres. Duration of concomitant clopidogrel was 3 months in over two-thirds of cases. In 2 centres, duration of concomitant clopidogrel was based upon type of prosthesis: 6 months versus 3 months for supra-annular and intra-annular prostheses, respectively.

Conclusions

Leaning on a small basis of evidence and recommendations, the antithrombotic policy for patients undergoing TAVI is highly variable in the Netherlands. As a standardised regimen might further reduce haemorrhagic complications, large randomised clinical trials may help to establish the most appropriate approach.

Neth Heart J. 2014 2;22(2):64-69