Abstract 18881: New Oral Anticoagulants for Periprocedural Management of Anticoagulation in Patients Undergoing Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: a Meta-analysis
Introduction: Thromboembolic events are the most feared complication of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF). The traditional periprocedural anticoagulation approach is discontinuation of vitamin K antagonist and bridging with heparin. Newly procedures are done under therapeutic INR 2-3. Recent studies used periprocedural new direct oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Hypothesis: We evaluated the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of NOACs for periprocedural anticoagulation during RFCA of AF. Methods: Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Central were searched. Retrospective and prospective studies published as peer-reviewed full-size articles were included if they reported embolic events and major and minor bleeding. Results: Fifteen studies were identified (14 observational studies, 1 small randomized trial). A total of 7050 patients were included (NOACs group: 2887 ). A total of 37 thromboembolic complications occurred (0,5%) with 17 events in the NOAC group (0,6%) and 20 in the warfarin group (0,5%) (odds ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48 to 1.99). Major bleeding were numerically higher in the warfarin group compared to the NOACs group. However, the difference did not reach statistical significance (odds ratio 0.69, CI 0.43 to 1.10). Subgroup analysis did not reveal any differences in event rates. Conclusions: Our review suggests that dabigatran etexilate and rivaroxaban are as effective and safe as warfarin for periprocedural anticoagulation in patients undergoing RFCA of AF. However, it has to be acknowledged that the current evidence is mainly based on observational studies.