Simultaneous electrocardiogram during routine electroencephalogram: arrhythmia rates through the eyes of the cardiologist

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Halil Onder ◽  
Irsel Tezer ◽  
Vedat Hekimsoy ◽  
Serap Saygi
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Ventricular Extrasystole ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Qrs Duration ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Eeg Recordings ◽  
Electrocardiogram Ecg ◽  
Ecg Abnormalities ◽  
Electroencephalogram Eeg

ABSTRACT Background: The importance of simultaneous 2-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) recording during routine electroencephalogram (EEG) has been reported several times on clinical grounds. Objective: To investigate arrhythmia rates detected by simultaneous 2-lead ECG in our patient sample undergoing routine EEG. Remarkably, we sought to assess the possible expansion of results with a more experienced interpretation of simultaneous ECG. Methods: Simultaneous 2-lead ECG recordings during routine EEG, performed between January and March, 2016, have been retrospectively analyzed by a cardiology specialist. In addition, EEG reports were screened with the keywords ‘arrhythmia, tachycardia, bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, extrasystole’ to evaluate the neurologist interpretation. Results: Overall, 478 routine EEG recordings were scanned. The mean age of the patients was 42.8±19.8 (16–95), with a sex ratio of 264/214 (F/M). In 80 (17%) patients, findings compatible with arrhythmia were identified on simultaneous ECG after a cardiologist's evaluation. The detected arrhythmia subtypes were: ventricular extrasystole (n=27; 5.6%), supraventricular extrasystole (n=23; 4.8%), tachycardia (n=9; 1.8%), prolonged QRS duration (n=7; 8.7%), atrial fibrillation (n=6; 1.2%), and block (n=6; 1.2%). On the other hand, keywords related to arrhythmia were present in 45 (9.4%) of EEG reports. The reported statements were tachycardia (3.3%), arrhythmia (2.5%), bradycardia (2.1%), and extrasystole (1.5%). Conclusions: A considerably high rate of arrhythmia cases was determined on simultaneous ECG during routine EEG after being interpreted by a cardiologist. However, the screening results of EEG reports revealed relatively low arrhythmia rates. These results suggest that the detection rates of ECG abnormalities during routine EEG may be potentially improved.

Abstract 16884: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Guided by Spatiotemporal Electrogram Dispersion

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Liu ◽  
Arismendy Nunez-Garcia ◽  
Cao Tran ◽  
Michael Wu
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Atrial Tachycardia ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
External Validation ◽  
Posterior Wall ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Single Center Experience ◽  
The Mean

Introduction: Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) guided by spatiotemporal dispersion (SD) of electrograms has been proposed as an ablation strategy to treat patients with persistent AF. However, external validation of this technique is lacking. Here we report a single center experience using ablation by SD. Hypothesis: Targeting regions with SD is associated with a high rate of termination and favorable freedom from AF among patients with persistent AF. Methods: Patients with persistent AF who underwent SD from November 2018 to January 2020 were included in this study. All patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in addition to targeting areas of SD. Lesions on areas of electrogram dispersion were anchored to the PVI or to mitral or posterior wall lines where appropriate. EKG, Holter, event monitors or device interrogations were obtained at 3 and 6 months to assess for arrhythmia recurrence. Results: 44 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The patients had a mean age of 69±8 years and were 68 % male. The prevalence of comorbidities was as follows: hypertension (89%), diabetes (21%), OSA (37%) and CAD (26%). Average CHADSVASC score was 2.9±1.4, LVEF was 53±11% and left atrium (LA) diameter was 5.2±1 cm. The recurrence rate of AF at 6 months was 14% whereas the recurrence of atrial tachycardia was 20%. Acute AF termination was observed in 73% of the patients. Termination to sinus occurred in 38% of the patients and the remaining terminated to atrial tachycardia which was subsequently ablated to sinus. The mean procedure duration was 240±90 minutes. Univariate analysis showed recurrence was associated with LA diameter (r=.52; p<.001). No recurrences were observed among patients with a LA diameter < 5 cm. Termination rates were higher among patients with LA diameter < 5 cm when compared to LA diameter ≥ 5 cm. However, it did not reach statistical significance (80% vs. 60%; p=.21). Conclusions: The target of electrograms with SD during AF ablation added to PVI was associated with a high termination rate and a good freedom from AF recurrence at 6 months. The ideal candidate for this procedure may be those with LA diameter < 5 cm among persistent AF. The long-term efficacy of this technique merits further studies in larger populations.

scholarly journals Antiepileptic Effects of Lacosamide Loaded Polymers Implanted Subdurally in GAERS

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastien H. Bauquier ◽  
Jonathan L. Jiang ◽  
Zhilian Yue ◽  
Alan Lai ◽  
Yu Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Cortex ◽  
Biodegradable Polymer ◽  
Seizure Activity ◽  
Absence Epilepsy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Current Experiment ◽  
Polymer Sheets ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Eeg Recordings ◽  
Electroencephalogram Eeg

The current experiment investigated the ability of coaxial electrospun poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) biodegradable polymer implants loaded with the antiepileptic drugs (AED) lacosamide to reduce seizures following implantation above the motor cortex in the Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rat from Strasbourg (GAERS). In this prospective, randomized, masked experiments, GAERS underwent surgery for implantation of skull electrodes (n=6), skull electrodes and blank polymers (n=6), or skull electrodes and lacosamide loaded polymers (n=6). Thirty-minute electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were started at day 7 after surgery and continued for eight weeks. The number of SWDs and mean duration of one SWD were compared week-by-week between the three groups. There was no difference in the number of SWDs between any of the groups. However, the mean duration of one SWD was significantly lower in the lacosamide polymer group for up to 7 weeks when compared to the control group (0.004<p<0.038). The mean duration of one seizure was also lower at weeks 3, 5, 6, and 7 when compared to the blank polymer group (p= 0.016, 0.037, 0.025, and 0.025, resp.). We have demonstrated that AED loaded PLGA polymer sheets implanted on the surface of the cortex could affect seizure activity in GAERS for a sustained period.

3049Equally high detection rates of atrial fibrillation in patients after a TIA and stroke by systematic ECG monitoring with an implanted device: SPIDER-AF study

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Goss ◽  
K Rybak ◽  
M Seige ◽  
W Haerer ◽  
B Schuetz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sinus Rhythm ◽  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Cardiovascular Morbidity ◽  
Ambulatory Setting ◽  
Cerebrovascular Event ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Introduction The risk of neurovascular and cardiovascular morbidity is substantially increased by undetected atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, early detection of AF is crucial to initiate appropriate therapy in persons at risk and may improve outcome. An implantable loop recorder (ILR) can monitor the heart rhythm for up to three years, modern devices provide dedicated algorithms to detect AF. Hypothesis We aimed to investigate the AF detection rate by the use of an ILR in patients after a recent cerebrovascular event (TIA n=137 or stroke n=363) presenting in sinus rhythm and no history of AF in the ambulatory setting by office based cardiologists. Purpose Observational study in patients with no prior diagnosis of AF, who had (presumably thromboembolic) transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke within 12 months and were implanted an ILR in the last 6 months. Follow-up visits every 3 months for 1 year overall. Results In 34 outpatient cardiology centers in Germany, a total of 500 patients were documented (mean age 63.1±12.7 years, 35.4% >70 years; 60.8% males). The qualifying event - diagnosed by neurologists - was a TIA in 137 (27.4%) and a stroke in 363 (72.6%) with typical thromboembolic pattern in NMR imaging (29.2% TIA/45.2% stroke, p<0.001), in CT imaging (7.3% TIA/7.7% stroke, n.s.), in both (6.6% TIA/19.6% stroke, p<0.001). During follow-up, AF was newly detected by the device in TIA patients in 29.9% and in stroke patients in 25.6% (n.s.). The mean screening period until detection of AF with the Reveal LinQ device was 170±134 days in TIA, 145±128 in stroke respectively (n.s.). 95.7% had paroxysmal and 4.3% persistent AF in stroke, TIA patients had 100% paroxysmal AF (n.s.), median duration was 5.0 min in TIA and 5.2 min in stroke, respectively (n.s.). Most AF patients were asymptomatic (68.3% TIA/ 83.9% stroke, p<0.03). The mean CHA2DS2Vasc score in patients with AF was 4.0 and 4.1 in those with TIA and stroke (n.s.), for patients in sinus rhythm 3.7 and 3.9, respectively (n.s.). Arterial hypertension was present in 71.5% with TIA/76.0% with stroke (n.s.), diabetes mellitus in 15.3% with TIA/25.1% with stroke (p<0.05), coronary artery disease in 12.4% with TIA/14.6% with stroke (n.s.), vascular disease in 3.6% with TIA/5.0% with stroke (n.s.). Conclusions In patients in sinus rhythm and no history of AF after a TIA or stroke, during 1-year follow-up AF could be newly detected in a quarter of patients by means of systematic continuous screening with an implantable ECG device. As AF diagnosis usually leads to immediate secondary prevention with long-term anticoagulation, such screening is useful not only in stroke but also in TIA patients and may substantially reduce the risk of recurrent stroke and cardiovascular morbidity. Acknowledgement/Funding SPIDER-AF registry was performed by BNK Service GmbH, Munich (Germany) and supported by Bayer Vital GmbH and Medtronic GmbH in equal parts

The Effects of 43 Hours of Sleep Deprivation on Executive Control Functions: Event-Related Potentials in a Visual Go/No Go Task

2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian-Lin Qi ◽  
Yong-Cong Shao ◽  
Danmin Miao ◽  
Ming Fan ◽  
Guo-Hua Bi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Deprivation ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Event Related Potentials ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Functions ◽  
Correct Reaction ◽  
Related Potentials ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Eeg Recordings ◽  
Electroencephalogram Eeg

The aim of this study was to investigate how 43 hours of total sleep deprivation (TSD) influences executive control functions. Forty participants were assigned to either a TSD or a control group (no sleep deprivation; NSD group) and both groups were tested at 2:00am on day 3 (after 43 hours of sleep deprivation for the TSD group). Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were taken using 32 electrodes while a Go/No go task was administered. The amplitude of the N2 was significantly larger on the No-go trials as compared to the Go trials. In the No-go trials, the amplitudes of the No go-N2 and the No go-P3 were smaller in the TSD group than in the control group in terms of prolonged latencies. The mean correct reaction time, number of misses, and the false-alarm rate were also significantly longer and increased in the NSD group. Results indicated that executive control functions were noticeable impaired after 43 hours of sleep deprivation.

scholarly journals Screening for atrial fibrillation: predicted sensitivity of short, intermittent electrocardiogram recordings in an asymptomatic at-risk population

EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 1781-1787 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgio Quer ◽  
Ben Freedman ◽  
Steven R Steinhubl
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Real World ◽  
Continuous Monitoring ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Real World Data ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Episode Duration ◽  
Electrocardiogram Ecg ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Detection Strategies

Abstract Aims Screening for asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) could prevent strokes and save lives, but the AF burden of those detected can impact prognosis. New technologies enable continuous monitoring or intermittent electrocardiogram (ECG) snapshots, however, the relationship between AF detection rates and the burden of AF found with intermittent strategies is unknown. We simulated the likelihood of detecting AF using real-world 2-week continuous ECG recordings and developed a generalizable model for AF detection strategies. Methods and results From 1738 asymptomatic screened individuals, ECG data of 69 individuals (mean age 76.3, median burden 1.9%) with new AF found during 14 days continuous monitoring were used to simulate 30 seconds ECG snapshots one to four times daily for 14 days. Based on this simulation, 35–66% of individuals with AF would be detected using intermittent screening. Twice-daily snapshots for 2 weeks missed 48% of those detected by continuous monitoring, but mean burden was 0.68% vs. 4% in those detected (P &lt; 0.001). In a cohort of 6235 patients (mean age 69.2, median burden 4.6%) with paroxysmal AF during clinically indicated monitoring, simulated detection rates were 53–76%. The Markovian model of AF detection using mean episode duration and mean burden simulated actual AF detection with ≤9% error across the range of screening frequencies and durations. Conclusion Using twice-daily ECG snapshots over 2 weeks would detect only half of individuals discovered to have AF by continuous recordings, but AF burden of those missed was low. A model predicting AF detection, validated using real-world data, could assist development of optimized AF screening programmes.

Prevalence of abnormalities in electrocardiogram conduction in dialysis patients: a comparative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Firas Ajam ◽  
Arda Akoluk ◽  
Anas Alrefaee ◽  
Natasha Campbell ◽  
Avais Masud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
Cardiac Conduction ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dialysis Patients ◽  
Bundle Branch Block ◽  
Conduction Abnormality ◽  
Ckd Stage ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
Electrocardiogram Ecg ◽  
Ecg Abnormalities

ABSTRACT Background: The electrocardiogram (ECG) can aid in identification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients at high risk for cardiovascular diseases. Cohort studies describe ECG abnormalities in patients on hemodialysis (HD), but we did not find data comparing ECG abnormalities among patients with normal kidney function or peritoneal dialysis (PD) to those on hemodialysis. We hypothesized that ECG conduction abnormalities would be more common, and cardiac conduction interval times longer, among patients on hemodialysis vs. those on peritoneal dialysis and CKD 1 or 2. Methods: Retrospective review of adult inpatients’ charts, comparing those with billing codes for “Hemodialysis” vs. inpatients without those charges, and an outpatient peritoneal dialysis cohort. Patients with CKD 3 or 4 were excluded. Results: One hundred and sixty-seven charts were reviewed. ECG conduction intervals were consistently and statistically longer among hemodialysis patients (n=88) vs. peritoneal dialysis (n=22) and CKD stage 1 and 2 (n=57): PR (175±35 vs 160±44 vs 157±22 msec) (p=0.009), QRS (115±32 vs. 111±31 vs 91±18 msec) (p=0.001), QT (411±71 vs. 403±46 vs 374±55 msec) (p=0.006), QTc (487±49 vs. 464±38 vs 452±52 msec) (p=0.0001). The only significantly different conduction abnormality was prevalence of left bundle branch block: 13.6% among HD patients, 5% in PD, and 2% in CKD 1 and 2 (p=0.03). Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to report that ECG conduction intervals are significantly longer as one progresses from CKD Stage 1 and 2, to PD, to HD. These and other data support the need for future research to utilize ECG conduction times to identify dialysis patients who could potentially benefit from proactive cardiac evaluations and risk reduction.

scholarly journals Burden of major gastrointestinal bleeding among oral anticoagulant-treated non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 175628482199735
Author(s):  
Steven Deitelzweig ◽  
Allison Keshishian ◽  
Amiee Kang ◽  
Amol D. Dhamane ◽  
Xuemei Luo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Oral Anticoagulant ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Bleeding Event ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Gi Bleeding ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Gi Bleed

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is the most common type of major bleeding associated with oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment. Patients with major bleeding are at an increased risk of a stroke if an OAC is not reinitiated. Methods: Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients initiating OACs were identified from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ( CMS) Medicare data and four US commercial claims databases. Patients who had a major GI bleeding event (hospitalization with primary diagnosis of GI bleeding) while on an OAC were selected. A control cohort of patients without a major GI bleed during OAC treatment was matched to major GI bleeding patients using propensity scores. Stroke/systemic embolism (SE), major bleeding, and mortality (in the CMS population) were examined using Cox proportional hazards models with robust sandwich estimates. Results: A total of 15,888 patients with major GI bleeding and 833,052 patients without major GI bleeding were included in the study. Within 90 days of the major GI bleed, 58% of patients discontinued the initial OAC treatment. Patients with a major GI bleed had a higher risk of stroke/SE [hazard ratio (HR): 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.42–1.74], major bleeding (HR: 2.79, 95% CI: 2.64–2.95), and all-cause mortality (HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.23–1.36) than patients without a major GI bleed. Conclusion: Patients with a major GI bleed on OAC had a high rate of OAC discontinuation and significantly higher risk of stroke/SE, major bleeding, and mortality after hospital discharge than those without. Effective management strategies are needed for patients with risk factors for major GI bleeding.

Scaphoid Nonunion Is a Disabling Problem in a Military Population

Hand ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155894472110031
Author(s):  
Nicholas H. Lake ◽  
Rafae Khan ◽  
Kyle W. Mombell ◽  
Mary Fergus ◽  
Dominic Gomez-Leonardelli
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Scaphoid Nonunion ◽  
Military Population ◽  
Outcome Scores ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Return To Duty

Background Scaphoid nonunion can occur in up to 55% of displaced scaphoid fractures. Long-term functional outcomes of this injury are lacking. In addition, no study has published rate of return to active military service after this injury. Our goal was to educate providers and patients on expected functional outcomes and return to duty after treatment of scaphoid nonunion. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent scaphoid nonunion repair at our institution from 2008 to 2017. The primary outcome measures were union rates, return to duty rates, and functional outcome scores obtained by telephone call. A total of 144 patients were included and 40 responded to our call for long-term follow-up. Results A total of 72% of patients achieved union after surgery, 18% required revision surgery, and 74% of patients were able to return to full duty after surgery. However, this number progressively decreased at 1, 2, and 5 years after surgery. At an average of 5.9 years after surgery, the mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (qDASH) score was 23.9. The mean qDASH for patients who achieved union (21.9) was significantly lower than those with persistent nonunion (29.2) ( P = .0115). Conclusion Scaphoid nonunion is a difficult problem in the military. We found a high rate of persistent nonunion often requiring revision to partial or full wrist arthrodesis. In addition, our long-term functional outcome scores demonstrate significant disability after this injury, even when union is achieved. This information can help us better counsel our patients and set expectations after treatment of this injury.

scholarly journals Plasma natriuretic peptide level is an independent determinant of major clinical outcomes in atrial fibrillation patients without heart failure: the Fushimi AF Registry

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Hamatani ◽  
M Iguchi ◽  
Y Aono ◽  
K Ishigami ◽  
S Ikeda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Prognostic Marker ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Systemic Embolism ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of death, stroke/systemic embolism and heart failure (HF). Plasma natriuretic peptide (NP) level is an important prognostic marker in HF patients. However, little is known regarding the prognostic significance of plasma NP level in AF patients without HF. Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between plasma NP level and clinical outcomes such as all-cause death, stroke/systemic embolism and HF hospitalization during follow-up period in AF patients without HF. Methods The Fushimi AF Registry is a community-based prospective survey of AF patients in our city. The inclusion criterion of the registry is the documentation of AF at 12-lead electrocardiogram or Holter monitoring at any time, and there are no exclusion criteria. We started to enroll patients from March 2011, and follow-up data were available for 4,466 patients by the end of November 2019. From the registry, we excluded 1,220 patients without a pre-existing HF (defined as having one of the following; prior hospitalization for HF, New York Heart Association class ≥2, or left ventricular ejection fraction &lt;40%). Among 3,246 AF patients without HF, we investigated 1,189 patients with the data of plasma BNP (n=401) or N-terminal pro-BNP (n=788) level at the enrollment. We divided the patients according to the quartile of each plasma BNP or NT-pro BNP level and compared the backgrounds and outcomes between these 4 groups stratified by plasma NP level. Results Of 1,189 patients, the mean age was 72.1±10.2 years, 454 (38%) were female and 684 (58%) were paroxysmal AF. The mean CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc score were 1.6±1.1 and 2.9±1.5, respectively. Oral anticoagulants were prescribed in 671 (56%) at baseline. The median (interquartile range) BNP and N-terminal pro-BNP level were 84 (38, 176) and 500 (155, 984) pg/ml, respectively. Patients with high plasma NP level were older, and demonstrated lower prevalence of paroxysmal AF, higher CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores and higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease and oral anticoagulants prescription (all P&lt;0.01). A total of 165 all-cause death, 114 stroke/systemic embolism and 103 HF hospitalization occurred during the median follow-up period of 5.0 years. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that higher plasma NP level was significantly associated with the incidences of all-cause death, stroke/systemic embolism and HF hospitalization in AF patients without HF (Figure 1A). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that plasma NP level could stratify the risk of clinical outcomes even after adjustment by type of AF, CHA2DS2-VASc score, chronic kidney disease and oral anticoagulant prescription (Figure 1B). Conclusion Plasma NP level is a significant prognostic marker for all-cause death, stroke/systemic embolism and HF hospitalization in AF patients without HF, suggesting the importance of measuring plasma NP level in AF patients even without HF. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Comparison of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion versus Non-Vitamin-K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulation in High-Risk Atrial Fibrillation: An Update

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
Shaojie Chen ◽  
K. R. Julian Chun ◽  
Zhiyu Ling ◽  
Shaowen Liu ◽  
Lin Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Vitamin K ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Vitamin K Antagonists ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion ◽  
The Mean

Transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is non-inferior to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in preventing thromboembolic events in atrial fibrillation (AF). Non-vitamin K antagonists (NOACs) have an improved safety profile over VKAs; however, evidence regarding their effect on cardiovascular and neurological outcomes relative to LAAO is limited. Up-to-date randomized trials or propensity-score-matched data comparing LAAO vs. NOACs in high-risk patients with AF were pooled in our study. A total of 2849 AF patients (LAAO: 1368, NOACs: 1481, mean age: 75 ± 7.5 yrs, 63.5% male) were enrolled. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.3 ± 1.7, and the mean HAS-BLED score was 3.4 ± 1.2. The baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. In the LAAO group, the success rate of device implantation was 98.8%. During a mean follow-up of 2 years, as compared with NOACs, LAAO was associated with a significant reduction of ISTH major bleeding (p = 0.0002). There were no significant differences in terms of ischemic stroke (p = 0.61), ischemic stroke/thromboembolism (p = 0.63), ISTH major and clinically relevant minor bleeding (p = 0.73), cardiovascular death (p = 0.63), and all-cause mortality (p = 0.71). There was a trend toward reduction of combined major cardiovascular and neurological endpoints in the LAAO group (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.64–1.11, p = 0.12). In conclusion, for high-risk AF patients, LAAO is associated with a significant reduction of ISTH major bleeding without increased ischemic events, as compared to “contemporary NOACs”. The present data show the superior role of LAAO over NOACs among high-risk AF patients in terms of reduction of major bleeding; however, more randomized controlled trials are warranted.

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