Mean CHADS2 Research Articles

Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion: Effect of device positioning on outcome.

The study in patients with percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion investigates clinical outcomes according to the position of the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP) disc. The ACP consists of a disc and an anchoring lobe. The disc is meant to cover the ostium of the LAA, but frequently retracts partially or completely into the neck of the LAA. It is not known whether a retracted disc affects outcome. Outcomes of 169 consecutive patients (age 73.1 ± 10.4 years; 76% male) with successful LAA closure were analyzed according to the position of the ACP disc: group A had complete coverage of the LAA ostium; in group B the disc prolapsed partially or completely into the LAA-neck. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed 1-6 months after ACP implantation. The safety endpoint was the composite of clinically significant pericardial effusion, device embolization, procedure-related stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), major bleeding, or device thrombus. The efficacy endpoint was the composite of death, neurological events (ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, TIA), or systemic embolism during follow-up. Group A comprised 76 patients (age 73.0 ± 9.9 years; 74% male) and group B 93 patients (age 73.3 ± 10.9 years; 79% male). Mean CHA2 DS2 -Vasc score and HASBLED score were 4.2 ± 1.7 (group A 4.3 ± 1.6; group B 4.2 ± 1.8) and 2.9 ± 1.1 (group A 2.9 ± 1.0; group B 3.0 ± 1.2), respectively. Mean follow-up of the study population was 13.0 ± 10.4 months. Overall, the composite safety and efficacy endpoints occurred in 20 (12%) and 6 patients (4%), respectively. There was no significant difference between groups A and B in the occurrence of the safety endpoint (13% vs. 11%, P = 0.64), or the efficacy endpoint (4% vs. 3%, P = 1.0). No evidence for a difference in the occurrence of the safety and efficacy endpoint was found between patients with complete vs. incomplete ACP disc coverage of the LAA ostium. The risk of repositioning attempts in case of incomplete coverage does not seem to be warranted. Current findings need further confirmation in a larger scale clinical trial. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Renal Dysfunction, CHADS2 Score, and Adherence to the Anticoagulant Treatment in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation.

We investigated the risk of stroke associated with renal dysfunction and the impact of warfarin therapies in Chinese patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Information was collected on age, sex, height, weight, type of atrial fibrillation, and serum creatinine within the previous 6 months, together with the variables needed to calculate the CHADS2 score. For patients not taking warfarin, reasons why not were recorded. Three thousand seventeen eligible patients with NVAF, mean (1 standard deviation [SD]) age of 67.7 (13.0) years, from 50 Chinese hospitals were included from May 2012 to October 2012, with a mean (1SD) CHADS2 score of 2.0 (1.5). Of these, 58.3% were male and 86.2% were at high risk of stroke with a CHADS2 score ≥1. Only 42.6% were on warfarin, and 22.5% of the patients had moderate or severe renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). After adjustment for the CHADS2 score, renal dysfunction remained moderately but significantly associated with the risk of stroke/TIA (odds ratio = 1.005, 95% confidence interval: 1.002-1.009, P = .002). There was, however, no significant difference in anticoagulant usage between patients with or without impaired renal dysfunction. The most common anticoagulant concerns were the low proportion of patients with regular international normalized ratio monitoring (43.0%) and the risk of bleeding (33.3%). Renal impairment was common and independently associated with the risk of cerebrovascular embolism in Chinese patients with NVAF but not independently related to underuse of anticoagulant treatment.

First Clinical Experience with New Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device: WATCHMAN FLX® System

Background: Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with WATCHMAN (WM) has been recognized as a new interventional routine, but the development of device is continuing. The WATCHMAN FLX® system (WMF) is a new equipment for LAAC which was used in patients since December 2015 until now; however, there is still lack of WMF clinical experience. We therefore evaluate selection of patient, safety, feasibility, and the early results of LAAC with WMF in a single hospital. Results: LAAC was performed using WMF in 16 nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients mostly with long-term oral anticoagulant contraindication. Mean age at LAAC was 75 ± 5 years, and 70.6% were male. Hypertension, diabetes, and stroke before operation were present in 87.5%, 25%, and 18.8%, respectively. Mean CHADS2, CHA2DS-VASc, and HASBLED scores were 3.0 ± 1.1, 4.0 ± 1.5, and 3.0 ± 1.2, respectively. The success rate of device implantation was 100%, and there were no severe major procedural complications. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed in the first 6 weeks and 6 months after LAAC; 100% of patients finished 6 weeks follow-up. No device-related death was recorded. No ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack was observed. However, three cases experienced device dislocation. WMF devices were out of left appendage, two at descending aorta and one at ascending aorta. Fortunately, all the lost devices were found and successfully captured with Caesar Grasping Forceps System via arteria femoralis (18F sheath). Twelve patients have already accepted 6 months TEE, with one patient detected thrombosis on the WMF surface. Conclusions: LAAC with WM is a safe and effective therapy to prevent stroke in NVAF patients. The WMF is upgrading novel and updated version of the WATCHMAN device, but not the final device. It still needs accumulating clinical experience with WMF, product, and device dislocation should be also be closely monitored.

Predictive ability of the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores for stroke after transcatheter aortic balloon-expandable valve implantation: an Italian Transcatheter Balloon-Expandable Valve Implantation Registry (ITER) sub-analysis.

Stroke incidence after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) still represents a concern. This multicentre study aimed at investigating the hypothesis that CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores may be used to predict perioperative stroke after TAVI. The Italian Transcatheter Balloon-Expandable Valve Implantation Registry (ITER) is a multicentre, prospective registry of patients undergoing balloon-expandable TAVI using Edwards Sapien and Sapien XT prosthesis between 2007 and 2012. The primary end-point of this study was the 30-day stroke rate. Secondary safety end-points were all the major adverse events based on Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC-2) criteria. One thousand nine hundred and four patients were enrolled in the registry. Mean age was 81.6 ± 6.2 years and 1147 (60.2%) patients were female; mean CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were 2.2 ± 0.8 and 4.4 ± 1.1, respectively. Fifty-four (2.8%) patients had a stroke within 30 days. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, CHA2DS2-VASc (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.03-1.78; P = 0.031) and previous cardiac surgery (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.06-3.6; P = 0.033) but not CHADS2 (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.76-1.44; P = 0.77) were found to be independent predictors of in-hospital stroke. A CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥5 was strongly related to the occurrence of in-hospital stroke (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.38-4.57; P= 0.001). However, CHA2DS2-VASc score showed only poor accuracy for in-hospital stroke with a trend for better accuracy when compared with CHADS2 score (area under the curve: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.59-0.63 vs 0.51; 95% CI: 0.49-0.54, respectively, P = 0.092). In TAVI patients, CHA2DS2-VASc provided a strong correlation for in-hospital stroke but with low accuracy. Dedicated scores to properly tailor procedures and preventive strategies are needed.

Perioperative Heparin Bridging in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Requiring Temporary Interruption of Anticoagulation: Evidence from Meta-analysis

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) often require temporary interruption of warfarin for an elective operation or invasive procedure. However, the safety and efficacy of periprocedural bridging anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin (UH) or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) are still unclear. We evaluated the safety of periprocedural heparin bridging in AF patients requiring temporary interruption of oral anticoagulation. We searched the literature for trials that compared heparin bridging with no bridging in AF patients for whom warfarin was temporarily interrupted. The incidence of all-cause mortality, thromboembolism, and major and all bleeding was included, and meta-analysis was performed. A total of 13,808 patients with AF were included in 4 observational studies, 1 randomized trial, and 1 subgroup analysis of a randomized trial. The mean CHADS2 score for the no heparin bridging group was 2.49 and that for the heparin bridging group was 2.34. At 30 days and up to 3 months, when compared to the heparin bridging group, the no bridging group did not have any significant difference in mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], .15-11.52; P = .82) or cerebrovascular accidents (OR, .93; 95% CI, .34-2.51; P = .88), but the no bridging group had significantly less major bleeding (OR, .41; 95% CI, .24-.68; P = .0006). Among AF patients with intermediate CHADS2 scores who are anticoagulated with warfarin and who required temporary interruption of warfarin for an elective surgery or procedure, periprocedural bridging with UH or LMWH was associated with a higher rate of major bleeding with no significant difference in mortality or CVA.

96-72: Gender Differences in Atrial Fibrillation Patient's Knowledge and Perceptions about Oral Anticoagulation Therapy: Results from an International Survey

Background: Stroke knowledge and perception of stroke risk are likely to affect oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment preferences in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This international prospective study investigated the influence of gender on patient perceptions of AF, stroke knowledge, preferences for oral anticoagulation (OAC) treatment decisions, and attributes of OAC affecting treatment choice. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 937 AF patients receiving OAC [overall mean (SD) age 54.3(16.6) years; 37.1% female; mean(SD) CHA2 DS2 -VASc score 2.6(1.7)] recruited from 5 countries (USA, Canada, Germany, Japan, France). Results: Overall AF was perceived as a serious condition, with women significantly more likely to perceive AF as extremely serious than men (Table). Men were more likely to report never being concerned about stroke risk compared to women. No gender differences in stroke knowledge and self-reported adherence to OAC. Stroke prevention was the most important factor when choosing OAC for both men and women, followed by risk of major bleeding and other side effects. Dosing frequency was significantly less important than stroke prevention. Conclusion: Women perceived AF as more serious than men, with men more likely to report not being concerned about stroke risk. Both men and women valued stroke prevention as the most important factor when choosing OAC Table *p < 0.05; **p < 0.001 vs. men Table *p < 0.05; **p < 0.001 vs. men

Use of Chronic Medications Among Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation.

BackgroundFrequency of administration (once daily versus more than once daily) is believed to be an important consideration affecting drug choice.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and the extent to which they take chronic medications, other than anticoagulants, more frequently than once daily.MethodsUsing data from a large, national database of health insurance claims, patients with a diagnosis of NVAF between 1 July 2008 and 30 September 2011 were identified, along with their prescription medications, to determine the proportion of patients taking chronic medications more than once a day. Prescription medications, co-morbidities, and CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were evaluated. CHADS2 assesses the risk of stroke in NVAF patients with the following risk factors: Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years, Diabetes mellitus, and history of prior Stroke or transient ischemic attack. The CHA2DS2-VASc score adds the following risk factors to the CHADS2 score: Age 65–74 years, Vascular Disease, and Sex Category (Female).ResultsOverall, 324,172 patients with NVAF with mean CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 1.51 and 3.08, respectively, were included in the study. Of these patients, 299,716 (92.5 %) took chronic medications, with an average of 6.9 medications per patient, and 215,527 (66.5 % of all patients or 71.9 % of those taking chronic medications) took medications more than once per day.ConclusionUse of chronic medications other than anticoagulants is common among patients with NVAF, and medications are typically taken multiple times per day. The average number of medications per patient and multiple therapeutic classes prescribed underscore the clinical complexity of NVAF patients. Hence, the choice of a once daily anticoagulant versus a more than once daily anticoagulant may be less relevant in a real world NVAF population in terms of a potential convenience benefit.

Residential medication management reviews of antithrombotic therapy in aged care residents with atrial fibrillation: assessment of stroke and bleeding risk.

Antithrombotics reduce the risk of stroke in individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, optimal prescribing of antithrombotics in older people remains a challenge. The objective of this study was to assess the risk of stroke for aged care home residents with AF and to examine the pharmacist-led medication reviews on the utilization of antithrombotic therapy. This retrospective study included a random sample of de-identified residential medication management reviews (RMMRs) conducted by accredited pharmacists in aged care homes in Sydney, Australia, between August 2011 and December 2012. The study participants were 146 residents aged 65 years and older with AF living in low- and high-care residential aged care facilities. Antithrombotic therapy was examined among the residents, before and after medication review. CHADS2 , CHA2 DS2 -VASc, and HEMORR2 HAGES scoring tools were used to assess the risk of stroke and bleeding and indicate the appropriateness of antithrombotic therapy. The mean age (±SD) of individuals was 88·4 (7·5) years, and 63·7% (n = 93) were female. The majority of residents (n = 99, 67·8%) were aged between 85 and 99 years. The mean (±SD) CHADS2 score was 3·1 (1·1), CHA2 DS2 -VASc was 4·6 (1·5), and HEMORR2 HAGES was 2·3 (1·0). All residents were classified as being at high risk of developing stroke. A total of 115 of 146 (78·8%) residents with AF were prescribed antithrombotics. There was a relatively low usage of anticoagulation (28·1%), and few recommendations from the medication review pharmacists to alter the thromboprophylactic therapy in AF. Application of the CHA2 DS2 -VASc risk tool indicated that 146 residents were eligible for antithrombotic treatments; of these, 74 (50·7%) were prescribed antiplatelets and 41 (28·1%) were prescribed anticoagulants. Of the 31 (21·2%) residents with AF were not prescribed antithrombotics, 21 (67·7%) had relative contraindications for anticoagulant treatments. Although there was a high overall use of antithrombotic agents, the study found a reluctance to prescribe or recommend anticoagulants in eligible older people with AF, potentially due to associated contraindications and multimorbidity. The use of guideline-recommended stroke risk tools could assist medication review pharmacists in optimizing antithrombotic therapy in older adults with AF.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of dialysis patients with atrial fibrillation: the Fushimi AF Registry.

URL: http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm .

Post-marketing surveillance on the long-term use of dabigatran in Japanese patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Preliminary report of the J-dabigatran surveillance

Background/aimA post-marketing surveillance (PMS) study is being conducted to investigate the safety and effectiveness of the long-term use of dabigatran etexilate (dabigatran) in Japanese patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Results of an interim analysis of this prospective cohort study including patient characteristics and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) collected up to September 17, 2014 are reported here. MethodsPatients with NVAF who began to receive dabigatran for the first time from December 2011 to November 2013 were enrolled at 1042 study sites in Japan. Clinical parameters included patient characteristics, dabigatran dose strength, concomitant medications and outcome events. All outcome events were collected as serious and non-serious adverse events (AEs). ADRs were evaluated in this report. Pre-defined safety events of special interest for intensive survey were serious and non-serious outcome events such as myocardial infarction, as well as the total number of hemorrhage and gastrointestinal disorders. ResultsA total of 6772 patients were registered. The safety analysis set included 6148 patients; mean age was 70.8±9.9 (SD) years: 2323 patients (37.8%) were aged 75 years or older. Males accounted for 66.8% of the patients. Mean CHADS2 score was 1.8±1.3; the CHADS2 score was 0 in 13.6%, 1 in 31.3%, 2 in 25.9%, 3 in 14.9%, and 4 to 6 in 11.1% of the patients. Of the 6148 patients, 1701 patients (27.7%) were switchers from warfarin and 4407 patients (71.7%) were non-switchers (OAC naïve patients). Treatment adherence was assessed for the first 3 months from the start of treatment for this analysis. Total 5656 patients (92.0%) reported taking dabigatran twice daily (bid) every day according to the label recommendation. During the follow up period [mean duration of follow up: 498±259 days (corresponding to 8386 patient-years)], pre-defined safety events of special interest for intensive survey (reported as serious ADRs) were: myocardial infarction, reported in 5 patients (0.06 per 100 patient-years); serious hemorrhage, reported in 46 patients (0.55 per 100 patient-years); and gastrointestinal disorders (non-hemorrhagic), reported in 11 patients (0.13 per 100 patient-years). Fifteen patients had ADRs with fatal outcome. ConclusionsThe interim findings from this 6148 patient PMS study further corroborate the favorable safety profile of dabigatran as demonstrated previously in controlled clinical trials.(ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01491178.)

Application of rivaroxaban in clinical practice: results of a prospective observational study XANTUS in patients with atrial fibrillation

In XANTUS study the safety and efficacy of factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban were evaluated in routine clinical practice in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. In consecutive patients who started treatment with rivaroxaban, all adverse events were recorded every 3 months for 1 year. Conclusions of major bleeding, symptomatic thromboembolic complications (stroke, systemic embolism, transient ischemic attack, and myocardial infarction) and death from all causes were centrally adjudicated. In total 6784 patients were treated with rivaroxaban at 311 centers in Europe, Israel, and Canada, on average, 329 days. The mean CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were 2.0 and 3.4, respectively. Treatmentemergent major bleeding occurred in 128 patients (2.1 events per 100 patient-years), 118 (1.9 events per 100 patient-years) died, and 43 (0.7 events per 100 patient-years) suffered a stroke. XANTUS is the first international, prospective, observational study to describe the use of rivaroxaban in a broad non-valvular atrial fibrillation patient population. Rates of stroke and major bleeding were low in patients receiving rivaroxaban in routine clinical practice.

Left Atrial Appendage Remodeling After Lariat Left Atrial Appendage Ligation.

Left atrial appendage (LAA) ligation with the Lariat device is being used for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Residual leaks into the LAA are commonly reported after the procedure. Little is known about the anatomic LAA remodeling after Lariat ligation. In an exploratory study, we evaluated LAA 3-dimensional geometry via computed tomographic scan in 31 consecutive patients before Lariat closure and after a minimum of 30 days post procedure. Thirteen patients were classified as unfavorable cases based on anatomic criteria. Our population had an average age of 70±12 years, a mean CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age>75, diabetes mellitus, history of stroke) score of 3.2±1.2, a mean CHADS2VASC (CHADS2 in addition to female sex, ages 65-75, as well as double impact of age >75, vascular disease) of 4.2±1.5, and a mean HASBLED (hypertension, abnormal renal/liver function, stroke, bleeding predisposition/history, labile international normalized ratio, elderly, drugs/alcohol) bleeding score of 4.0±1.1. Successful suture deployment was achieved in all cases, but 3 patients had intraprocedural residual flow into the LAA (leak). On follow-up, 10 patients (32%) had recanalized residual LAA cavities, which were morphologically similar to the original LAA, albeit significantly smaller in volume (22.5±13.3% of the original volume). Recanalization was not associated with age, sex, comorbid conditions, stroke or bleeding risk scores, follow-up interval, baseline LAA volume, or morphology. Unfavorable cases had anatomic outcomes comparable with those of the anatomically favorable population. No patients have exhibited thromboembolism after 842±338 days post ligation. Incomplete LAA ligation after Lariat is common. However, the remodeled LAA cavity is dramatically reduced. Diminished cavity size and tightening of the LAA orifice may play a role in the reduction of thrombus formation.

Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure With the Watchman Device: Long-Term Results Up to 5 Years.

The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure with the Watchman device. Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias and is associated with a high risk for cardioembolic ischemic events, most notably stroke. Percutaneous LAA closure is an alternative to oral anticoagulation, because most thrombi originate from the LAA. All consecutive patients with minimum CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 1 who underwent LAA closure with the Watchman device between June 2006 and August 2010 were eligible. Follow-up examinations were performed after 45 days to 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year and thereafter annually. Afterward, alternating office visits and telephone follow-up were performed every 6 months. A total of 102 patients were included. The mean age was 71.6 ± 8.8 years, and 37.3% were women. The mean CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were 2.7 ± 1.3 and 4.3 ± 1.7, respectively. Procedural success was achieved in 96.1% of patients. During a mean follow-up period of 3.0 ± 1.6 years, the annual rates of transient ischemic attack, stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and death were 0.7%, 0.7%, 1.1%, and 3.5%, respectively. LAA closure with the Watchman device is safe and feasible for stroke protection in patients with atrial fibrillation. Low ischemic events rates demonstrate its effectiveness during long-term follow-up.

Comparison of Watchman device with new oral anti-coagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation: A network meta-analysis

BackgroundNew oral anticoagulants (NOAC) and the Watchman device represent an alternative to warfarin for stroke prophylaxis in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. However, no studies compare these new treatments. We performed a network meta-analysis to indirectly compare Watchman and NOACs among AF patients. MethodsWe performed a MEDLINE search for studies comparing warfarin with NOACs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban) or Watchman in AF patients with reported clinical outcomes. Mixed treatment comparison model generation was performed to directly and indirectly compare NOACs, warfarin and Watchman. Results14 studies with 246,005 patients were included in the analysis, among which 124,823 were treated with warfarin, 120,450 were treated with NOACs and 732 had Watchman implanted. Mean age was 72±9years, 53% were male, and mean CHADS2 score was 2.1±1.6. Both NOACs and Watchman were superior to warfarin in hemorrhagic stroke prevention (OR=0.46 [0.30–0.82] and OR=0.21 [0.05–0.99], respectively). NOACs significantly reduced total stroke (OR=0.78 [0.58–0.96]) and major bleeding (OR=0.78 [0.65–0.91]) compared with warfarin. Indirect comparison between NOAC and Watchman revealed no significant differences in outcomes, though there was a trend toward higher rates of ischemic stroke with Watchman compared with NOAC (OR 2.60 [0.60–13.96]) with the opposite findings with hemorrhagic stroke (OR=0.44 [0.09–2.14]). ConclusionsNOAC therapy was superior to warfarin for multiple outcomes while Watchman reduced hemorrhagic stroke. Further studies are needed to assess Watchman versus NOAC to optimize therapy for stroke prevention in AF patients.

Abstract 14242: Clinical Impact of Previous Ischemic or Hemorrhagic Stroke on the Intracranial Event in Japanese Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: The Fushimi AF Registry

Introduction: Little is known about the risk factors for each of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: The Fushimi AF Registry, a community-based survey, was designed to enroll all of the AF patients who visited the participating institutions in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. Follow-up data were available for 3,499 patients by April 2015 (median follow-up period: 849 days). We explored the predictors for each of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, especially focusing on previous ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Results: The mean age was 73.6±10.9 years. The mean CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 2.01, 3.35 and 1.49, respectively. 53.5% of patients received oral anticoagulation (OAC) at baseline. Ischemic stroke occurred in 132 patients (3.8%) and hemorrhagic stroke in 42 (1.2%). On multivariate analysis, the independent predictors for ischemic stroke were as follows: advanced age (≥75 years) (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63-3.53), sustained (persistent or permanent) AF (HR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.05-2.23) and previous ischemic stroke (HR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.54-3.19). As for hemorrhagic stroke, the independent predictor was previous hemorrhagic stroke (HR: 4.96, 95% CI: 1.19-13.8), whereas either of hypertension, previous ischemic stroke or OAC prescription was not. In patients with versus without previous ischemic stroke, the annual incidence of ischemic stroke was higher (3.55% vs. 1.35%; p&lt;0.01), but that of hemorrhagic stroke was similar (0.58% vs. 0.53%; p=0.81). This was also the case with patients with versus without previous hemorrhagic stroke; the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke was higher (2.67% vs. 0.51%; p&lt;0.01), and that of ischemic stroke was similar (1.78% vs. 1.73%; p=0.99) (Figure) . Conclusions: The risk of stroke in patients with AF was dependent on the type of stroke. The history of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke was a risk of the same type of stroke, but not of the other one.

Abstract 17609: Comparison of All-cause and Bleeding-related Hospitalizations Among Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients Receiving Oral Anticoagulants

To compare the risk of hospitalization among non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients newly initiated with an oral anticoagulant (OAC): apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or warfarin. Retrospective cohort study using Humana Medicare Advantage data from 7/1/2009 - 9/30/2014. NVAF patients ≥18 years receiving one OAC on the index date with 6 months continuous enrollment prior to index prescription date and 3 months post-index were eligible. Hospitalizations were identified by standard codes for inpatient admission. Bleeding-related hospitalizations required an additional code for major/clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding. A cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) of hospitalizations adjusted for age, sex, region, comorbidities and comedications. Adherence for each OAC was also calculated using a proportion of days covered approach to understand medication taking behaviors. Among the 53,168 patients initiated on an OAC, 2,028 (3.8%) apixaban, 5,644 (10.6%) dabigatran, 7,667 (14.4%) rivaroxaban and 37,829 (71.1%) warfarin. Patients in apixaban cohort were older (mean 75.5 years, P &lt;0.05) with higher mean CHA 2 DS 2- VASc score (P &lt;0.05). Abixaban patients had a higher mean HAS-BLED score vs. dabigatran (P &lt;0.0001), lower mean score vs. warfarin (P &lt;0.0001) and did not differ significantly vs. rivaroxaban (P =0.46). Patients receiving apixaban had a significantly lower risk for all-cause hospitalization across cohorts, and a sig. lower risk for bleeding-related hospitalization vs. patients receiving rivaroxaban or warfarin (Table). Adherence ranged from 87.8% to 90.4% across cohorts. In a real-world setting, initiation with apixaban was associated with a significantly lower risk for all-cause hospitalization, and a significantly lower risk of bleeding-related hospitalization compared to rivaroxaban or warfarin. Table: Adjusted Hazard Ratios of All-cause and Bleeding-related Hospitalizations

Abstract 17022: The Gap Between Indicated and Prescribed Stroke Prevention Therapies in A High-risk Geriatric Population in Ontario

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac dysrhythmia, with estimated risk of about 25% by 80 years of age. The use of oral anticoagulation (OAC) in the elderly population treated in long term care (LTC) facilities is inconsistent and poorly studied. Hypothesis: We performed a retrospective analysis to assess the magnitude and sources of the gap between indicated and prescribed use of OAC in the elderly with AF along with the prevalence of different therapies. Methods: We retrospectively scanned 25 LTC facilities in Ontario, Canada. The diagnosis of AF was drawn from electronic medical records. This was merged with a pharmacy database, which was the sole provider of all medications for each resident. Attributable risk factors for possible failure to prescribe use of OAC were: Advanced directives for no hospitalization, Do-Not-Resuscitate order, Dementia, Cognitive Performance Scale, Activities of Daily Living Self Performance Hierarchy scale and Changes in Health, End-Stage Disease, Signs, and Symptoms Scale. Results: In total 3378 active residents were examined in 25 LTC facilities. All patients were ≥ 65 years old with mean age 85 ± 8 years and 2449 (72%) were female. We identified 433 (13%) AF patients with mean age 87 ± 7 years and mean CHADS2 score 3 ± 1; all qualify for OAC therapy. Out of all AF patients, 273 (63%) patients were on OAC therapy. Patients were mostly treated with Vitamin K antagonists (N= 114 (42%)), rivaroxaban (N= 71 (26%)) or apixaban (N= 62 (23%)) followed by dabigatran (N= 26 (10%)). Antiplatelet drugs as the only stroke prevention therapy were used in 88 (20%) patients and 28 (6%) patients were on dual therapy (anticoagulation and antiplatelet drugs). Seventy-two (17%) patients were not on any antiplatelet or antithrombotic therapy. None of the attributable risks identified consistently correlated with the failure to prescribe indicated therapy. Conclusions: This real world data set suggests that 37% of eligible elderly LTC patients fail to receive recommended stroke prevention therapies. Vitamin K antagonists are the most common OAC therapy used in elderly patients in LTC facilities. Lack of use of indicated therapy appears to be idiosyncratic.

Abstract 18131: Canadian Multi-center Experience With WATCHMAN for Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure

Background: There is limited data with WATCHMAN for left atrial appendage (LAA) closure in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and contraindications to anticoagulation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of WATCHMAN in our early Canadian experience. Methods: We report our consecutive series of patients who underwent WATCHMAN implantation at 4 Canadian centers (Vancouver General Hospital, Montreal Heart Institute, Hamilton General Hospital and Ottawa Heart Institute). Indications for LAA closure were CHADS2≥1, and contraindication/intolerance to or failure on anticoagulation. All cases were done under general anesthesia and TEE guidance. Majority of patients received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for 3-6 months after implant. Follow-up TEE was typically performed at 1-6 months post-procedure. Results: Ninety patients underwent LAA closure with WATCHMAN from May 2013 to June 2015. The mean age was 75.0 ± 7.9. The mean CHADS2 score was 2.9 ± 1.2, CHADS-VASc score was 4.4 ± 1.5, and HASBLED score was 3.2 ± 1.2. Permanent AF was present in 66.7% and paroxysmal AF in 33.3%. Indications for LAA closure were prior bleeding in 81 patients (90.0%; 74 major bleeding, and 7 minor bleeding), 9 were deemed high-risk for bleeding (renal failure, cirrhosis, labile INR, esophageal ulcers, on DAPT), and 1 with recurrent strokes on warfarin. Procedural success was 97.8% (88/90), with one device embolization (snared percutaneously) and one implant failure due to inadequate LAA depth. There was no procedural stroke/TIA, death, MI, or cardiac tamponade. There were 3 major bleeding that required transfusions. Mean hospital stay was 1.4 ± 1.8 days. Antithrombotic therapy post-implant included DAPT in 66/90 (73.3%), anticoagulant in 21/90 (5 warfarin, 16 direct anticoagulant), and aspirin alone in 3/90. Follow-up TEE was available in 53 patients, there was 1 device-associated thrombus (treated successfully with anticoagulation), and 18 peri-device leaks (all &lt;5mm). Mean follow-up was 173.8 ± 117.3 days, with no stroke or death, but there was 1 TIA and 3 major bleeding. Conclusion: In our early Canadian experience, WATCHMAN for LAA closure in patients contraindicated to anticoagulation is safe and effective.

Abstract 16339: Heparin Bridging in Atrial Fibrillation Patients After Temporary Interruption of Warfarin: Evidence From Meta-analysis

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation often require temporary interruption of warfarin for procedures. However, the efficacy of periprocedural heparin bridging in clinical practice is still unclear. Methods: We searched the literature for trials that compared heparin bridging to no bridging in atrial fibrillation patients for whom warfarin was temporarily interrupted. The incidence of all-cause mortality, thromboembolism, and major and all bleeding was included, and meta-analysis was performed. Results: A total of 11,924 patients with atrial fibrillation were included in 4 observational studies and 1 randomized trial. Mean CHADS2 score for the no heparin bridging group is 2.26 vs heparin bridging 2.26. At 30 days and up to 3 months, no bridging group in comparison to bridging group did not show any significant difference in mortality (odds ratio (OR), 1.22; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.04-37.43; P = 0.91) or thromboembolism (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.12-4.05; P = 0.68), but no bridging group showed significantly less major bleeding (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.21-0.86; P = 0.02) and less all bleeding (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.24-0.79; P = 0.007). Conclusion: Among atrial fibrillation patients anticoagulated with warfarin with an intermediate CHADS2 score requiring temporary interruption of warfarin for a procedure, periprocedural bridging with heparin was associated more with major and all bleeding when compared to no bridging, with no significant difference in mortality and thromboembolism.

Abstract 15303: The Impact of Heart Rate on the Incidence of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Chronic Atrial Fibrillation: The Fushimi Af Registry

Purpose: Previous reports suggested that lenient rate control was not inferior to strict rate control among patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the impact of heart rate (HR) on the incidence of cardiovascular events is not clearly understood. Methods: The Fushimi AF Registry, a community-based prospective survey, was designed to enroll all of the AF patients in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. At present, follow-up data were available in 3,514 patients (median follow-up period, 842 days). 1,622 patients had chronic AF, and we obtained ECG findings in 1,561 patients. We divided these patients into three groups based on their heart rate; high-HR (HR≥110) (n=179), intermediate-HR (80≤HR&lt;110) (n=695), and low-HR (HR&lt;80) (n=687), and explored the cardiovascular events (composite of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure, and arrhythmic events). Results: Mean HR was 128±13 bpm, 93±8 bpm, and 67±9 bpm, respectively. High HR group was younger than other groups, but the prevalence of heart failure was the highest (44.7%, 37.0%, 32.3%; p=0.007) and left-ventricular ejection fraction was the lowest (56.5±14.6%, 60.7±11.9%, 62.7±10.5%; p&lt;0.0001). Prescription of beta-blocker (37.4%, 28.9%, 30.0%) and diltiazem (2.8%, 2.9%, 4.2%) was comparable, but prescription of verapamil was the highest in high-HR group (19.0%, 12.4%, 8.0%; p=0.0001), and prescription of digitalis was the highest in low-HR group (14.0%, 18.2%, 23.4%; p=0.005). Mean CHADS2 score was 2.3±1.3, 2.2±1.3, and 2.2±1.4, respectively. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, the incidence of cardiovascular events was higher in high-HR groups than intermediate- and low-HR group (9.2%/year vs 5.8%/year, p=0.02), but was similar between intermediate- and low-HR group (6.2%/year vs 5.4%/year, p=0.3). The incidence of stroke or systemic embolism was comparable between the three groups (2.6%/year, 3.6%/year, 2.4%/year). Cox proportional hazard ratios [95%CI] of high- and intermediate-HR for cardiovascular events compared to low-HR were 1.63 [1.06-2.44] and 1.10 [0.81-1.79], respectively. Conclusions: Among chronic AF patients, the incidence of cardiovascular events was higher in the patients with high-HR, but was similar between intermediate- and low-HR groups.