Anticoagulation on Demand in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

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For decades now, stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation has largely consisted of chronic oral anticoagulation, often with no end in sight. This strategy, however, is associate with a high incidence of bleeding complications, especially when anticoagulation is associated with antiplat...

For decades now, stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation has largely consisted of chronic oral anticoagulation, often with no end in sight. This strategy, however, is associate with a high incidence of bleeding complications, especially when anticoagulation is associated with antiplatelet agents, as it occurs in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Known as intermittent, on demand, or 'pill in the pocket' anticoagulation, the strategy of prescribing oral anticoagulation only when is actually needed, has gotten a feasibility boost from recent advancements in both medical therapy and rhythm monitoring technology. Preliminary experiences suggest that intermittent anticoagulation guided by continuous electrocardiographic monitoring can reduce the incidence of bleeding in patients with episodes of atrial fibrillation. Uncertainty about the potential implications of a strategy of intermittent anticoagulation after percutaneous coronary intervention exists. The investigators will perform a pilot randomized trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of anticoagulation on demand in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after percutaneous coronary intervention.

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