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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

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Is it safe to stop oral anticoagulation after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation?

Jorge Romero1, Ricardo Avendano1, Juan Carlos Diaz1

  • 1a Department of Cardiology , Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , NY , USA.

Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy
|November 22, 2018
PubMed

Insights

For patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation, continuing oral anticoagulants after the blanking period is recommended. This strategy outweighs the risk of bleeding compared to the risk of stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation is a prevalent global arrhythmia.
  • Oral anticoagulants are standard for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.
  • Their use post-catheter ablation remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the benefits and drawbacks of discontinuing oral anticoagulation after catheter ablation.
  • To discuss mechanisms of atrial fibrillation and future research directions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of major databases (PubMed, Embase).
  • Inclusion of relevant published articles and society guidelines.
  • Synthesis of evidence regarding anticoagulation post-ablation.

Main Results:

  • The decision to continue oral anticoagulation post-ablation is complex.
  • Current guidelines support continued use after the blanking period.
  • The risk of disabling stroke is considered greater than the risk of fatal bleeding.

Conclusions:

  • Continued oral anticoagulation post-catheter ablation is supported by current guidelines.
  • This approach balances the risks of bleeding against the benefits of stroke prevention.
Abstract

Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationcatheter ablationoral anticoagulationstrokethromboembolism

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