Post-Catheter Ablation Long-Term Antithrombotic Strategies in Atrial Fibrillation: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials - PubMed

3 hours ago

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is a common rhythm-control method, but its effect on reducing thromboembolic risk and allowing oral anticoagulation (OAC) discontinuation is unclear.
A network meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials involving 3,924 patients compared long-term antithrombotic strategies, such as OAC continuation, discontinuation, and left atrial appendage occlusion, after catheter ablation.
No significant differences in stroke incidence were found between OAC or left atrial appendage occlusion and no antithrombotic therapy, with stroke rates low in patients discontinuing OAC (0.23 events per 100 person-years).
The low number of events across studies limits the evaluation of net clinical benefit, highlighting the need for larger, longer-term trials to confirm safety, especially in higher-risk groups.

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