Heart, lung & circulation
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Heart, lung & circulation · Dec 2016
ReviewPeriprocedural Management of Novel Oral Anticoagulants During Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Controversies and Review of the Current Evidence.
Oral anticoagulation (OAC) has been the cornerstone for the prevention of thromboembolic complications in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at significant risk of stroke. Catheter ablation is an established efficacious technique for the treatment of AF. Ameliorating the risk of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in patients with AF undergoing ablation requires meticulous planning of pharmacotherapy. ⋯ The following review will summarise the current and emerging evidence on periprocedural management of NOACs in patients undergoing catheter ablation of AF. An overview of NOAC pharmacology will provide a foundation for the review of reversal agents in the context of catheter ablation of AF. The purpose of the review is to outline key studies and identify key areas for further critical research with the ultimate aim of developing evidence-based guidelines for optimal care.