Circulation. Arrhythmia and electrophysiology
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Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol · Oct 2015
Review Meta AnalysisLeft Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device and Novel Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin for Stroke Prevention in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia. Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation are at increased risk of stroke; therefore, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of different approaches to prevent this major complication. ⋯ Novel oral anticoagulants is superior to warfarin for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. This benefit was also observed in the elderly population. DEVICE is a reasonable noninferior alternative to warfarin for stroke prevention, but cautious use is essential given safety concerns.
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Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol · Oct 2015
Meta AnalysisIs There Still a Role for Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrogram Ablation in Addition to Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients With Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation? Meta-Analysis of 1415 Patients.
Ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) has been proposed as a strategy to improve outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation, but the use of this technique remains contentious. We aimed to assess the impact of CFAE ablation in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients undergoing ablation for AF. ⋯ Despite the apparent safety of this technique, CFAE ablation did not improve freedom from AF/atrial tachycardia in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF. The role of CFAE ablation in addition to PVI should be questioned and other alternatives assessed to improve the outcome of AF ablation.