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. 2014 Jun 30;7(1):1076.
doi: 10.4022/jafib.1076. eCollection 2014 Jun-Jul.

The Rate Of Complications Associated With Concomitant Use Of Dabigatran With Cryoballoon Ablation For Atrial Fibrillation

Valay Parikh  1 , Vratika Agarwal  1 , Jharendra Rijal  1 , Vinod Chainani  1 , Soad Bekheit  1 , Marcin Kowalski  1
Affiliations

The Rate Of Complications Associated With Concomitant Use Of Dabigatran With Cryoballoon Ablation For Atrial Fibrillation

Valay Parikh et al. J Atr Fibrillation. .

Abstract

Introduction: Catheter ablation is an evolving therapeutic strategy for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). It is associated with a risk of thromboembolic events. The peri-procedural anticoagulation management with warfarin has been successful in mitigating this risk. However, introduction of novel oral anticoagulants like dabigatran offers more flexibility in anticoagulation approaches. Previous studies had evaluated the safety and efficacy of dabigatran in the radiofrequency ablation, but data related to cryoballoon ablation is lacking.

Methods and results: We performed a retrospective observational study involving patients who underwent cryoballoon ablation for drug-refractory, symptomatic AF while on dabigatran in periprocedural period. Thromboembolic, hemorrhagic or other complications occurring within the first 30 days after the ablation procedure were analyzed. Our study population comprised of 50 patients with mean age of 58.96 ± 3.54 years with 76% (n=38) being male. We found 3 (6%) minor complications in peri-procedural period including 2 groin hematomas and 1 trace asymptomatic pericardial effusion. There were no major intraprocedural or post procedural hemorrhagic or thromboembolic events. None of patients with the minor complications required significant additional workup or extended hospital stay. All the patients were able to continue dabigatran for 30 days without any additional side effects or complications.

Conclusion: Dabigatran is a safe and efficacious agent in patients undergoing cryoballoon AF ablation.

Keywords: Atrial Fibrillation; Cryoballoon Ablation; Dabigatran.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Graph showing 30-days complication rate with use of dabigatran in peri-procedural period with Cryoablation for atrial fibrillation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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