What are the general principles of management for surgical procedures and intervetions for patients with AF on long-term prophylaxis with OACs?
General principles of management for surgical procedures and interventions for patients with AF on long-term prophylaxis with OACs include estimating the bleeding risk associated with a specific intervention/procedure, estimating the patient's thromboembolic risk, and considering the patient’s individual clinical judgment. If the bleeding risk is substantial, then interruption of anticoagulation prior to the procedure intervention is needed to minimize the hemorrhagic risk, both in the intra-operative and immediate postoperative phase.