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How do you manage patients with atrial fibrillation having a thromboembolic infarct despite being on adequate anticoagulation?

Would you recommend left atrial appendage occlusion with or without continuing anticoagulation? In light of Maarse et al., JAMA Neurology 2024.
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How do you manage patients with atrial fibrillation having a thromboembolic infarct despite being compliant on DOAC?

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3 Answers
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Neurology · HCA Houston Healthcare
Answered on

This scenario is always challenging. In terms of anticoagulation, the efficacy of DOACs in preventing embolic events in AF patients is around 70%, which is impressive compared to warfarin but not foolproof. In cases of a second embolic event while on anticoagulation, two reasonable approaches are of...

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Neurology · University of Virginia, School of Medicine
Answered on · Updated on

In addition to what Dr. @Dr. First Last and Dr. @Dr. First Last said, I would like to add that evaluating for underlying hyper-coagulable states like occult or active malignancy or anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome. There have been reports of higher DOAC failure rates in those with aggressive form...

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Neurology · Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Answered on

I would strongly consider L atrial appendage closure. If not an option, switch anticoagulant, perhaps to warfarin.

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