Evaluation of enoxaparin for bridging of warfarin in outpatients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).

BACKGROUND: Patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) require systemic anticoagulation. The use of enoxaparin for bridging to warfarin remains understudied in this population.

METHODS: This single-center retrospective study was performed to characterize enoxaparin use and associated thrombotic and bleeding outcomes in adult outpatients with LVADs from January 2018 to July 2021.

RESULTS: Fifty-four enoxaparin bridging events were evaluated in 49 patients. Most patients with HeartMate II (HM2) and HeartWare (HVAD) devices received enoxaparin dosed 1 mg/kg every 12 h. In patients with HeartMate 3 (HM3) devices, an equal number of patients received 0.5 mg/kg every 12 h and 1 mg/kg every 12 h, with a smaller subset receiving intermediate doses. The median duration of bridging was 6 days (4-8 [IQR]). One major bleeding event required discontinuation of enoxaparin and hospitalization in a patient with an HM3 device. Thrombotic events occurred in four patients with two incidents of pump thrombosis requiring pump exchange and two ischemic strokes. All thrombotic events occurred in patients with HVAD or HM2 devices.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that enoxaparin bridging in LVAD patients was well-tolerated with low bleeding and thrombotic rates, particularly with the HM3 device.