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Updated: May 15, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Ineligibility for anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation
Ian del Conde1, Jonathan L Halperin
1The Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Insights
Anticoagulation significantly lowers stroke risk in atrial fibrillation but many patients face bleeding risks. This study offers a framework to evaluate anticoagulation
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk.
- Anticoagulation therapy is effective but limited by bleeding risk in up to 50% of patients.
- Novel oral anticoagulants offer new treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a framework for assessing anticoagulation's net clinical benefit in atrial fibrillation patients with high bleeding risk.
- To review data on novel oral anticoagulants (thrombin or factor Xa inhibitors).
- To discuss the implications of new anticoagulants for therapy eligibility.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent data on novel oral anticoagulants.
- Framework development for net clinical benefit assessment.
- Analysis of eligibility criteria for anticoagulation.
Main Results:
- A framework is proposed to guide clinical decisions.
- Novel oral anticoagulants may expand anticoagulation options.
- Distinction between vitamin K antagonist and general anticoagulation eligibility is highlighted.
Conclusions:
- A structured approach can help manage anticoagulation in high-risk atrial fibrillation patients.
- Novel oral anticoagulants require careful consideration regarding patient selection and eligibility.
- Optimizing anticoagulation strategies is crucial for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.
Abstract:
Although anticoagulation therapy markedly reduces the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, up to 50% of these patients are deemed ineligible for anticoagulation. In this manuscript we provide a framework to assess the net clinical benefit of anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation with an increased risk of bleeding. We also review recent data related to the novel oral anticoagulants targeting thrombin or factor Xa, and discuss how the introduction of these agents raises the distinction between eligibility for vitamin K antagonist therapy specifically, and eligibility for anticoagulation in general.
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