American Society of Hirudotherapy

Antithrombotic Strategies in Valvular and Structural Heart Disease Interventions: Current Status and Future Directions

Review published in Interventional cardiology clinics (2013)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewClinical TrialsCapodanno D et al. · Interventional cardiology clinics, 2013

Abstract

Antithrombotic prophylaxis is the cornerstone of adjunctive pharmacologic therapy in patients undergoing transcatheter intervention for valvular and structural heart disease. However, drugs and doses of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents are mostly empiric for these indications and typically administered at the operator's discretion. This article describes the rationale for antithrombotic management of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation, percutaneous mitral valve repair with the Mitraclip system, patent foramen ovale, and atrial septal defect closure, as well as common strategies for managing antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy in patients with valvular and structural heart disease undergoing transcatheter procedures.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview

Summary

Antithrombotic prophylaxis is the cornerstone of adjunctive pharmacologic therapy in patients undergoing transcatheter intervention for valvular and structural heart disease.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This review describes antithrombotic management strategies—including antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy—for patients undergoing transcatheter procedures such as aortic valve implantation, Mitraclip, patent foramen ovale, and atrial septal defect closure. The authors note that drug choices and doses are largely empiric and operator-dependent. While anticoagulation is broadly relevant to the therapeutic context in which hirudin-derived drugs like bivalirudin are sometimes used, the abstract does not specifically mention hirudin, bivalirudin, leeches, or any leech-derived compounds. The relevance to ASH's domain of hirudotherapy and the leech secretome is minimal and entirely indirect.

Citation

Antithrombotic Strategies in Valvular and Structural Heart Disease Interventions: Current Status and Future Directions

Capodanno D et al. · Interventional cardiology clinics, 2013

DOI

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