The Strategy to Prevent Hemorrhage Associated With Anticoagulation in Renal Disease Management (STOP HARM) Trial

Patients with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) who develop atrial fibrillation are at high risk for stroke. The use of blood thinking medication in dialysis patients is controversial and warfarin carries a serious risk for major bleeding.

The Watchman device may be an ideal therapy for this population as after implantation it allows for the discontinuation of blood thinners, thereby reducing the risk of bleeding.

An estimated 25 million North American's have chronic kidney disease (CKD) including 600,000 that require dialysis for end-stage renal disease.The importance of CKD is underscored by the poor survival, frequent hospitalizations and impaired health related quality of life of patients with CKD.

Stroke is an important cause of morbidity, mortality and suffering for patients with CKD. Stroke is approximately 5 to 10 times more common in patients with advanced CKD compared to non-CKD patients. Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most important risk factor for stroke, occurs in up to 20.4% of patients with advanced CKD. Observational studies suggest anywhere from an approximate 56% relative risk reduction to a 2-fold increase in the risk of stroke with warfarin. Furthermore, the risk of bleeding in patients with advanced CKD is roughly 5-fold higher than patients without CKD. Although OAC may not prevent strokes in patients with advanced CKD, it still increases the risk of major bleeding by 1.4 fold.

New stroke prevention strategies in patients with CKD and AF are urgently needed. An effective strategy must reduce the risk of thromboembolic events while not increasing the risk of bleeding substantially. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with devices such as the Watchman, represent a unique opportunity to accomplish effective stroke prevention while mitigating the risk of bleeding in this patient population.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥18 years
2. Severe chronic kidney disease: a. Receiving dialysis \>90 days or b. Estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 30 ml/min/1.73m2 for \>90 days as calculated by CKD-Epi
3. History of persistent, paroxysmal or permanent atrial fibrillation documented by ECG within 12 months of randomization
4. High risk of stroke: a. CHADS-VASC≥3 or, b. Prior ischemic stroke or TIA 2-24 months prior to randomization,
5. Currently receiving chronic oral anticoagulation (vitamin K antagonist, Apixaban 2.5 mg bid or Rivaroxaban 15mg od) for atrial fibrillation
6. Provides informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Short life expectancy: a. \> 90 years old or, b. Positive "surprise" question (Physician not surprised if patient died in the next 12 months)
2. Stroke within the last 2 months
3. Contraindications to withdrawal of anticoagulation (e.g. mechanical valve, recurrent venous thromboembolism)
4. Contraindication to low-dose aspirin
5. Contraindication to placement of Watchman device: a. Thrombus formation in left atrial appendage b. Severe mitral or aortic valvular disease c. Left atrial appendage diameter too small or too large to accommodate the device d. Pericardial effusion \>2 mm e. Cardiac tumor
6. Scheduled living related donor transplant