WATCHMAN device-related thrombus successfully treated with apixaban: A case report

RATIONALE: Among atrial fibrillation patients with high risk of bleeding, left atrial appendage occlusion has emerged as an alternative to long-term oral anticoagulation therapy for stroke prevention. Device-related thrombus remains a major concern because it may result in recurrent embolic events. To date, there is no consensus on the optimal method of treating device-related-thrombus. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 78-year-old man with atrial fibrillation had an episode of intracranial hemorrhage while taking warfarin. He subsequently underwent percutaneous placement of a 30-mm Watchman device to the left atrial appendage. He was prescribed dual anti-platelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel. DIAGNOSIS: Reassessment echocardiography 3 months later found device-related thrombus. INTERVENTIONS: The antithrombotic regimen was switched from dual antiplatelet therapy to apixaban. OUTCOMES: Reassessment echocardiography 3 months later revealed complete resolution of the device-related thrombus. Apixaban was stopped. He had dual antiplatelet therapy for 6 more months followed by life-long aspirin. There was no bleeding complication since implantation of Watchman device. LESSONS: We demonstrated successful treatment of device-related thrombus with a short course of apixaban with complete resolution of thrombus. Further randomized controlled trials are required to determine the choice and duration of drug therapy for device-related thrombus.