Single antiplatelet therapy reduced 12-month bleeding from 26.6% to 15.1% versus dual antiplatelet therapy in patients without oral anticoagulation indication post-TAVI.
What is the optimal antithrombotic strategy to balance thrombotic and bleeding risks after TAVI?
Post-TAVI antithrombotic strategies should prioritize minimizing bleeding with single antiplatelet therapy for patients without an OAC indication and OAC alone for those with AF.
Effect estimate: ARR 11.5% (absolute risk reduction in bleeding)
Absolute Event Rate: 15.1% vs 26.6%
Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is increasingly used across all risk groups, meaning more patients are living long-term with transcatheter bioprosthetic valves. These patients are often multimorbid and vulnerable to both thrombotic and bleeding complications. Optimal antithrombotic therapy remains uncertain due to differences in trial design, patient demographics, and procedural practices. Methods: We undertook a narrative review that included randomised controlled trials, observational studies, biomarker research, and guideline recommendations on post-TAVI antithrombotic therapy. We evaluated the available evidence for antiplatelet and anticoagulant strategies after TAVI, predictors of bleeding and thrombotic complications, to identify emerging approaches using biomarkers for personalised risk stratification. Results: Thrombotic events after TAVI are predominantly early and procedural in origin, while new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) leads to substantial late risk. Subclinical leaflet thrombosis is frequent, but its clinical significance remains uncertain, as anticoagulation reduces CT-detected leaflet abnormalities without improving clinical outcomes. Early bleeding within the first 30 days remains a principal contributor to mortality, influenced by frailty, vascular access, comorbidity, and intensity of antithrombotic therapy. Randomised evidence consistently supports a minimalist, indication-driven regimen: single antiplatelet therapy for patients without an oral-anticoagulation (OAC) indication, and OAC monotherapy for those with AF. Routine OAC use in unselected patients carries no advantage and exposes them to harm. Biomarkers and machine-learning models show promise for future individualised risk assessment. Conclusions: Antithrombotic strategies post-TAVI should prioritise minimising bleeding while maintaining adequate thromboembolic protection. Single antiplatelet therapy for patients without an indication for OAC and OAC alone for those with AF offer the best balance of safety and efficacy. Ongoing trials may clarify the role of imaging-guided therapy and biomarker-based risk stratification and refine antithrombotic strategies.
Fotoula et al. (Thu,) conducted a review in Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), elderly and multimorbid patients with severe aortic stenosis and varied anticoagulation indications. Single antiplatelet therapy (aspirin) vs. Dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin plus clopidogrel) was evaluated on 12-month major bleeding rate (ARR 11.5% (absolute risk reduction in bleeding)). Single antiplatelet therapy reduced 12-month bleeding from 26.6% to 15.1% versus dual antiplatelet therapy in patients without oral anticoagulation indication post-TAVI.