Thromboembolic Risk of Cessation of Oral Anticoagulation Post Catheter Ablation in Patients With and Without Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence

Atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention: 25 years of research at EP Europace journal

Stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is one pillar of the management of this common arrhythmia. Substantial advances in the epidemiology and associated pathophysiology underlying AF-related stroke and thrombo-embolism are evident. Furthermore, the introduction of the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (also called direct oral anticoagulants) has clearly changed our approach to stroke prevention in AF, such that the default should be to offer oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention, unless the patient is at low risk. A strategy of early rhythm control is also beneficial in reducing strokes in selected patients with recent onset AF, when compared to rate control. Cardiovascular risk factor management, with optimization of comorbidities and attention to lifestyle factors, and the patient's psychological morbidity are also essential. Finally, in selected patients with absolute contraindications to long-term oral anticoagulation, left atrial appendage occlusion or exclusion may be considered. The aim of this state-of-the-art review article is to provide an overview of the current status of AF-related stroke and prevention strategies. A holistic or integrated care approach to AF management is recommended to minimize the risk of stroke in patients with AF, based on the evidence-based Atrial fibrillation Better Care (ABC) pathway, as follows: A: Avoid stroke with Anticoagulation; B: Better patient-centred, symptom-directed decisions on rate or rhythm control; C: Cardiovascular risk factor and comorbidity optimization, including lifestyle changes.

The risk factors of thrombus formation and the effect of catheter ablation on repetitive thrombus formation in patients with atrial fibrillation: a single center retrospective study in China

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) predisposes patients to the formation of atrial thrombi. The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score does not include all risk factors for atrial thrombosis. The present study is designed to explore the influencing factors of thrombus formation in patients with AF and to investigate the effect of catheter ablation (CA) on recurrent thrombosis in patients with a history of intracardiac thrombus.

METHODS

(1) This study consisted of 1726 patients that underwent CA, among which 58 patients had a history of intracardiac thrombus prior to CA. The risk factors for thrombus formation were explored by comparing the baseline clinical characteristics of patients with and without atrial thrombus. (2) The left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAAFV) in patients with a history of intracardiac thrombus who were willing to undergo transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at the latest follow-up were examined, and comparisons of the LAAFV was made before and after CA.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period is 13 months. Persistent AF was found to be the only independent risk factor affecting the formation of atrial thrombus among the investigated factors (OR 3.152; 95%CI 1.806-5.500; p < 0.001). Twenty-seven patients agreed to undergo TEE during follow-up, no clinical ischemic stroke events were recorded, no recurrent intracardiac thrombus formation was detected in patients, 15 patients maintained sinus rhythm (55.6%) during follow-up; successful CA significantly increased LAAFV (difference between latest evaluation prior to CA 17.46 ± 14.81 cm/s, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent AF is the only independent risk factor for thrombus formation. Successful CA may improve the LAAFV and thereby decrease the risk of intracardiac thrombus formation.

A prediction model of atrial fibrillation recurrence after first catheter ablation by a nomogram: HASBLP score

Background

At present, catheter ablation is an effective method for rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, AF recurrence is an inevitable problem after catheter ablation. To identify patients who are prone to relapse, we developed a predictive model that allows clinicians to closely monitor these patients and treat them with different personalized treatment plans.

Materials and methods

A total of 1,065 patients who underwent AF catheter ablation between January 2015 and December 2018 were consecutively included in this study, which examines the results of a 2-year follow-up. Patients with AF were divided into development cohort and validation cohort. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out on the potential risk factors. Specific risk factors were used to draw the nomogram according to the above results. Finally, we verified the performance of our model compared with CHADS2 and CHA₂DS₂-Vasc scores by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve and plotted the decision analysis curve (DAC).

Results

A total of 316 patients experienced AF recurrence. After univariate and multivariate analyses, AF history (H), age (A), snoring (S), body mass index (BMI) (B), anteroposterior diameter of left atrial (LA) (L), and persistent AF (P) were included in our prediction model. Our model showed a better performance compared with CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-Vasc scores, and the area under ROC curve (95%CI) was 0.7668 (0.7298–0.8037) vs. 0.6225 (0.5783–0.6666) and 0.6267 (0.5836–0.6717).

Conclusion

We established a nomogram (HASBLP score) for predicting AF recurrence after the first catheter ablation at a 2-year follow-up, which can be used as a tool to guide future follow-up of patients. However, its usefulness needs further validation.

Benefits and Risks Associated with Long-term Oral Anticoagulation after Successful Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Oral anticoagulation (OAC) prevents thromboembolism yet greatly increases the risk of bleeding, inciting concern among clinicians. Current guidelines lack sufficient evidence supporting long-term OAC following successful atrial fibrillation catheter ablation (CA). A literature search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and Scopus to seek out studies that compare continued and discontinued anticoagulation in post-ablation Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Funnel plots and Egger’s test examined potential bias. Via the random-effects model, summary odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using RevMan (5.4) and STATA (17.0). Twenty studies, including 22 429 patients (13 505 off-OAC) were analyzed. Stratified CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥2 examining thromboembolic events (TE) favored OAC continuation (OR 1.86; 95% CI: 1.02-3.40; P = .04). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated this association was attenuated. The on-OAC arm had greater incidence of major bleeding (MB) (OR 0.16; 95% CI: 0.08-0.95; P < .00001), particularly intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and gastrointestinal bleeding (GI); (OR 0.17; 95% CI: 0.08-0.36; P < .00001) and (OR 0.12; 95% CI: 0.04-0.32; P < .0001), respectively. Our findings support sustained anticoagulation in patients with a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of ≥2. Due to reduced outcome robustness, physician discretion is still advised.