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Updated: Mar 2, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Periablative Anticoagulation Strategies in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Fernanda d'Araujo Costa Ferreira1, Eduardo B Saad1
1Center for Atrial Fibrillation - Hospital Pró Cardíaco, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation is associated with thromboembolic events that may cause important impairment on quality of life. Pulmonary vein isolation is the treatment of choice in cases that are refractory to medical therapy. Once sheaths and catheters are manipulated inside the left atrium, anticoagulation with heparin must be used during the procedure to protect patients from thromboembolic phenomena. Different strategies of anticoagulation are used at different centers. This review summarizes the pathophysiology of thrombus formation in the left atrium, defines which patients are under high risk and describes the main strategies used for anticoagulation.
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