Anticoagulant treatment and bleeding complications in patients with left ventricular assist devices.

Anticoagulant treatment and bleeding complications in patients with left ventricular assist devices. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 2020 May 23;: Authors: den Exter PL, Beeres SLMA, Eikenboom J, Klok FA, Huisman MV Abstract INTRODUCTION: The treatment options for advanced heart failure patients drastically changed with the introduction of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), either as bridge to transplant or as destination therapy for patients ineligible for transplant. Despite major benefits in terms of survival, functional status and quality of life, managing patients with LVADs comes with several challenges. The most significant challenge is balancing between the risks of thrombotic and bleeding complications. AREAS COVERED: The present review describes the pathophysiological mechanisms explaining the alterations in the hemostatic profile of LVAD patients, and summarizes current evidence to guide clinical decision making with regard to anticoagulant treatment and management of bleeding complications. EXPERT OPINION: LVAD patients require life-long anticoagulant therapy to reduce the risk of pump thrombosis. However, exposing LVAD patients to anticoagulant therapy, in combination with common acquired coagulopathies after LVAD implantation such as acquired von Willebrand syndrome, comes with high risks of bleeding. There is a need for randomized controlled trials in LVAD patients to determine the optimal antithrombo...
Source: Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy - Category: Cardiology Tags: Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther Source Type: research