Novel Oral Anticoagulation During Pulmonary Vein Isolation and Cardioversion

Atrial fibrillation is an age-dependent disease with symptomatic and prognostic implications. Treatment options include rhythm as well as rate control. However, there is a need for anticoagulation depending on calculated individual annual risk. Treatment options include antiplatelet therapy, oral anticoagulation and the use of novel oral anticoagulation (NOACs). To date, the safety and efficacy of NOACs in atrial fibrillation is established in large mega-trials. However, there is still concern on the use of NOACs in invasive procedures such as coronary angiography, electrophysiological procedures, and general surgical procedures. This review will give an overview about current data of NAOCs in procedures for rhythm control (pulmonary vein isolation and current cardioversion).