Antithrombotic approach in percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI): What is our standard of care? A study endorsed by the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology.

BACKGROUND: Despite the widespread adoption of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation, there remains a lack of consensus on the optimal management of peri-interventional and long-term antithrombotic therapies because of a lack of evidence.

AIM: To clarify current practices in peri/postprocedural antithrombotic strategies for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation.

METHODS: An online survey was submitted to the Interventional Working Group of the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology, and was completed by 76 congenital interventional cardiologists in 2023-2024.

RESULTS: Overall, 86% had standardized protocols for anticoagulation/antiaggregation. Intraprocedural heparin administration of 100IU/kg was common (83%), and postprocedural strategies mostly included acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) (45%) or a combination of antiaggregation and anticoagulation (29%). Long-term strategies comprised antiaggregation (88%), no therapy (11%) and anticoagulation only (1%). Acetylsalicylic acid monotherapy was prescribed by 91%, whereas 9% used dual antiaggregation therapy. Dual antiaggregation therapy was continued for suspicious medical history of thrombotic complication or microthrombi for 3-6 months. Testing for acetylsalicylic acid resistance was infrequent (36%), and only if clinically indicated. When patients had pre-established anticoagulation therapy, 59% changed their strategy. Treatment changes based on valve type were rare (8%). The primary reasons for anticoagulation/antiaggregation were to increase valve longevity (26%) and for both longevity and endocarditis prophylaxis (68%). Acute valve thrombosis was reported in 11 cases.

CONCLUSIONS: The survey reveals variability in practices after percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation. Most interventional cardiologists prefer acetylsalicylic acid for postprocedural and long-term management, whereas dual antiaggregation therapy is sometimes used in specific cases. Anticoagulation is limited to pre-existing therapy cases or isolated experiences for 3 months.