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 twothirds 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.

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doi.org/10.1007/s12471-013-0496-6, hdl.handle.net/1765/68008
Netherlands Heart Journal
Department of Otorhinolaryngology

Nijenhuis, V., Stella, P., Baan, J., Jr., Brueren, B. R. G., de Jaegere, P., den Heijer, P., … ten Berg, J. (2014). Antithrombotic therapy in patients undergoing TAVI: An overview of Dutch hospitals. Netherlands Heart Journal, 22(2), 64–69. doi:10.1007/s12471-013-0496-6