What is the recommended management for patients with AF on long-term prophylaxis with OACs who need surgical or interventional procedures?
In patients with AF on long-term prophylaxis with OACs who need surgical or interventional procedures, it is recommended to consider surgical exclusion of the LAA for stroke prevention, but the need for long-term OAC is unchanged. When taking into account LAAO as a potential option, the risk of bleeding related to antiplatelets agents that need to be prescribed in the first months has to be considered and the possibility to use NOACs.