The aim of the study was to estimate the efficacy and safety of dabigatran in comparison with warfarin after atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation (CA).
Methods: 228 consecutive patients, having undergone AF CA, were enrolled in retrospective trial. In group I (n=170) warfarin was administered by modified interrupted scheme, in group II (n=58) dabigatran was administered by 150 mg twice a day. The main clinical efficacy and safety indicators were evaluated during the procedure and within 12 months after the procedure.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between patients taking warfarin and dabigatran (p>0,1) in all of the investigated parameters, including the amount of bleeding and thromboembolic events. Side effects of mild dyspepsia were observed in the dabigatran group in 2.7% of the observations and in the warfarin group in 2.4% (p = 0,589). None of them required discontinuation of the therapy.
Conclusion: Dabigatran can be considered as an alternative to warfarin for anticoagulation in patients undergoing AF CA.