SAT-TAVI (single antiplatelet therapy for TAVI) study: A pilot randomized study comparing double to single antiplatelet therapy for transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Traditionally, patients undergoing TAVI are treated with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). This strategy in not based on strong evidence.  In this paper, the authors describe their findings in a randomized trial comparing outcomes (morbidity and mortality) in two groups of patients undergoing TAVI, one treated with aspirin only (ASA group) and another treated with aspirin and clopidogrel or ticlopidine (DAPT group). There were no significant differences in “all cause” and “cardiovascular” mortality at six months or in the VARC (Valve Academic Research Consortium) combined safety endpoints at 30 days. Nevertheless, at 30 days, vascular complications were significantly more frequent in the in the DAPT group. Based on their data, the authors suggest that, in patients undergoing TAVI, vascular complications may be reduced by the adoption of an antiplatelet therapy based only on aspirin.