Abstract
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), as is the case with all bioprosthetic valves, requires the use of antithrombotic therapy to minimise thromboembolic and ischaemic events while keeping the incidence of bleeding complications low. Periprocedural and long-term antithrombotic strategy after TAVI was, from the beginning, empirically based on the treatment administered after percutaneous coronary interventions.
Current guidelines for antithrombotic therapy after TAVI are based on experience and consensus of experts; however, there are significant practice variations among different hospitals and countries. This article aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge on an optimal post-TAVI antithrombotic strategy.
The first randomised data point in the direction of less aggressive monotherapy; aspirin monotherapy in patients without indication for anticoagulation; and anticoagulation alone in those with an already established indication for anticoagulation therapy before TAVI. However, these results must be confirmed in further studies as well as in longer-term follow-up.