Initial and long-term antithrombotic therapy after left atrial appendage closure with the WATCHMAN

Abstract Background Evidence regarding post-procedural antithrombotic regimes other than used in randomized trials assessing percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is limited. Purpose The present work aimed to compare different antithrombotic strategies applied in the real-world EWOLUTION study. Methods A total of 998 patients with successful WATCHMAN implantation at 47 centers were available for the present analysis. The composite ischemic endpoint of stroke, TIA, systemic embolism and device thrombus as well as the bleeding endpoint defined as at least major bleeding according to BARC were assessed during an initial period (from implant until first medication change) and long-te…