The study evaluated the long-term outcomes of stopping oral anticoagulation (OAC) after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients at risk for thromboembolism.
327 patients with drug-refractory AF were monitored, with 82% remaining free of AF during a follow-up period averaging nearly 4 years.
No significant occurrences of stroke were reported despite a majority of patients discontinuing OAC, suggesting that OAC cessation can be safe in carefully selected patients.