Comparing anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy after heart device placement

Short-Term Anticoagulation Versus Antiplatelet Therapy for Preventing Device Thrombosis Following Left Atrial Appendage Closure. The ANDES Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, University Laval · NCT03568890

This study is testing whether a new blood-thinning medication works better than standard blood-thinning pills to prevent blood clots in patients who have had a heart device placed.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment510 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorInstitut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, University Laval Academic / other
Locations1 site (Quebec)
Trial IDNCT03568890 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of short-term anticoagulation therapy using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) against antiplatelet therapy in preventing device thrombosis following transcatheter left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). The study will involve approximately 350 patients who have successfully undergone LAAC, assessing the incidence of device thrombosis over an 8-week period. Given the concern over device thrombosis rates that have not improved despite advancements in LAAC techniques, this trial seeks to determine if a shift to anticoagulation therapy could yield better outcomes. Participants will be monitored for thromboembolic events and bleeding complications during the treatment period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have successfully undergone transcatheter LAAC with an approved device.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy, or those with severe renal impairment or recent major bleeding events, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of device thrombosis in patients undergoing LAAC, improving patient safety and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using anticoagulation therapy post-LAAC is being explored, the specific comparison of DOACs versus antiplatelet therapy in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Successful transcatheter LAAC with any approved device
* Age≥18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* Absolute contraindications for anticoagulation therapy
* Absolute contraindications for antiplatelet therapy
* End-stage renal disease (CrCl \<15 ml/min)
* Recent percutaneous revascularization with drug-eluting stents requiring dual antiplatelet therapy
* Prior intracranial hemorrhage
* Contraindications for TEE
* Severe pericardial effusion within the first 24 hrs following LAAC
* Major/life-threatening bleeding event within the month prior to LAAC
* Multiple bleeding events (minor or major) within the month prior to LAAC
* Major/life-threatening bleeding within the first 24 hrs following LAAC

Where this trial is running

Quebec

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Left Atrial Appendage ClosureThrombosisStrokeTIABleedingAnticoagulation therapyAntiplatelet therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.