Publications by authors named "Luiz A Inacio"
Background: The ideal management of oral anticoagulation (OAC) before and after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is still controversial.
Objective: To compare two anticoagulation strategies for catheter ablation for AF: warfarin withholding and use of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH); and maintenance of warfarin and therapeutic INR (between 2.0 and 3.
Article Synopsis
- 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.