Challenges of left atrial appendage closure device and anticoagulation in a patient with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)

Abstract

Among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have high risk of bleeding secondary to haematologic disorders, left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion therapy has been shown to be an excellent alternative to long-term use of oral anticoagulation for thromboembolic stroke prevention. However, there remains a major concern of device-associated thrombosis post-procedure, that can lead to life-threatening embolic events. To this date, there is no systematic guideline for the selection and management of patients with haematological disorders with LAA occlusion therapy, especially in those with platelet disorders such as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Patients with platelet disorders are at a higher risk for bleeding; however, that does not prevent such patients from thromboembolic events secondary to AF. We present a case of ITP with permanent AF, where an LAA device was complicated by thrombus formation due to challenges faced with anticoagulation therapy.