Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Aug 2019
Meta AnalysisOral anticoagulation after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation and the associated risk of thromboembolic events and intracranial hemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
We sought to examine whether continuing oral anticoagulation (OAC) after catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with improved outcomes. OAC reduces morbidity and mortality in patients with AF. However, the continuation of OAC following the blanking period of CA is controversial due to conflicting published data. ⋯ Continuation of OAC after CA of AF with CHA2 DS2 VASc ≥ 2 is associated with a significant decreased TE risk and a favorable net clinical benefit in spite of ICH being significantly increased in the ON-OAC group. Continued OAC offers no benefit with CHA2 DS2 VASC ≤ 1.
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Aug 2019
Cardiopulmonary support in patients undergoing catheter ablation of poorly tolerated ventricular arrhythmias and electrical storm.
Catheter ablation is an important treatment option for sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VA) that are refractory to pharmacological treatment; however, patients with fast VA or electrical storm (ES) are at risk for cardiogenic shock. We report our experience using cardiopulmonary support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during catheter ablation of VA. ⋯ ECMO support may be used for ablation procedures in patients with ES.