Methods: To gain more knowledge on bleeding and thrombotic complication rates, we performed a retrospective chart review of all adult patients prescribed DOACs at the time of CIED procedures at our three facilities from January 2012-June 2016. We reviewed frequency data regarding bleeding and thrombotic complication rates and analyzed for any statistically significant correlation with DOAC management in the periprocedural period to include how many days the DOAC was held before and after the procedure, and if they were bridged with heparin. We also analyzed the data for any statistically significant correlation between complication rates and patient comorbidities, concurrent medications, procedure type, facility, and year.
Results: Our study had a total of 309 qualifying cases. The complication rates in our study were low, with three bleeding complications and no thrombotic complications. The three bleeding complications were hematomas in advanced age individuals taking rivaroxaban, however these patient specific factors were not statistically significant as the low numbers of complications prohibited us from running statistical analysis of the complication rates in relation to DOAC management and contributing patient specific factors.
Conclusion: Decisions on how to manage anticoagulation in the periprocedural period consider the patient and procedure specific bleeding and thrombotic risks (Daniels, 2015). Overall, our results show us that performing CIED procedures on patients taking DOACs is safe from a bleeding and thrombosis standpoint regardless of the procedure-specific bleeding and thrombotic risks. They were also safe regardless of the length of time DOACs were held before, after, or bridged in the periprocedural setting. To ensure patient safety in the future, we would recommend that professional societies develop consensus guidelines on how to best manage DOACs in the periprocedural setting to standardize care and reduce potential complications.