Management of anticoagulation in patients undergoing leadless pacemaker implantation

Abstract

Background: The Micra transcatheter pacing system (Micra TPS) is often implanted in patients with atrial fibrillation and thus with increased thromboembolic risk. It is unknown whether the use of anticoagulants, associated with the use of a large venous introducer, implies an increased risk of bleeding in this group of patients.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of bleeding and thromboembolic complications after Micra TPS implantation with and without therapeutic anticoagulation.

Methods: This single-center observational study included 107 consecutive patients receiving the Micra TPS from 2014 to 2018. At procedure completion, a figure-of-eight suture was placed at the femoral puncture site after sheath withdrawal and was maintained for 24 hours. In patients receiving enoxaparin or new oral anticoagulants, treatment was discontinued 12 or 24 hours before the procedure, respectively, and was reinitiated 4-6 hours postprocedure. In those receiving vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), dosing was not discontinued and the procedure was performed if the international normalized ratio was less than 3.

Results: Sixty-four patients (60%) did not receive anticoagulants. Of the 43 (40%) who did, 29 (67%) received VKAs, 8 (19%) received new oral anticoagulants, and 6 (14%) received enoxaparin. Two patients presented hemorrhagic or thromboembolic complications during short-term follow-up: 1 woman receiving VKAs presented hemorrhagic pericardial effusion without tamponade and 1 woman not receiving anticoagulants presented thrombosis of the ipsilateral saphenous vein.

Conclusion: Bleeding and thromboembolic complications after receiving Micra TPSs are infrequent. The use of anticoagulant therapy, regardless of the type, does not increase the complications associated with the procedure.

Keywords: Anticoagulation; Bleeding; Leadless pacemaker; Micra transcatheter pacing system; Thromboembolic event.