Use of Dabigatran for Periprocedural Anticoagulation in Patients Undergoing Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial Fibrillation Friday, June 21st, 2013Circulation: April 3, 2013,
Background—Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation is associated with a transient increased risk of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events. We hypothesized that dabigatran can be safely used as an alternative to continuous warfarin for the periprocedural anticoagulation in PVI.
Methods and Results—A total of 999 consecutive patients undergoing PVI were included; 376 patients were on dabigatran (150 mg), and 623 patients were on warfarin with therapeutic international normalization ration. Dabigatran was held 1 to 2 doses before PVI and restarted at the conclusion of the procedure or as soon as patients were transferred to the nursing floor. Read more