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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
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Emerging Tools for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation
Christos Voukalis1, Gregory Y H Lip1, Eduard Shantsila1
1University of Birmingham, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, City Hospital, Birmingham B18 7QH, UK.
Ebiomedicine
|March 17, 2016
Summary
Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) is crucial. This article reviews the latest developments in oral anticoagulants, including vitamin K antagonists and non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs), to guide physician choices for non-valvular AF patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly increases the risk of ischaemic stroke, posing a major health burden.
- Systemic embolization and stroke prevention are critical management components for AF patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent advancements in stroke prevention strategies for atrial fibrillation.
- To aid physicians in selecting appropriate oral anticoagulants for non-valvular AF patients based on individual risk profiles.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on stroke prevention in AF.
- Analysis of the latest developments in oral anticoagulant therapies.
Main Results:
- Effective stroke prevention in AF relies on vitamin K antagonists or non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs).
- Guidance is provided for choosing oral anticoagulants based on patient risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Optimal management of AF necessitates effective stroke prevention.
- Physicians can utilize this information to personalize anticoagulant selection for non-valvular AF patients.
Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationCKD, chronic kidney diseaseCrCl, creatinine clearanceDM, diabetes mellitusESRF, end stage renal failureHF, heart failureHTN, hypertensionICH, intracranial haemorrhageINR, international normalised ratioLV, left ventricleNCB, net clinical benefitNICE, National institute for Health and Care ExcellenceNVAF, non-valvular atrial fibrillationNet clinical benefitNon-vitamin K oral anticoagulantsOral anticoagulationPCI, percutaneous coronary interventionRSM, risk stratification modelRisk stratificationSE, systemic embolismStroke preventionTE, thromboembolic episodeTIA, transient ischaemic attackTTR, time in therapeutic rangeeGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate
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