The Lead Episode 128: A Discussion of Long-Term Anticoagulation Discontinuation After Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: The ALONE-AF Randomized Clinical Trial
Description
Join Phillip Cuculich, MD and his guests Tina Baykaner, MD, MPH and Atul Verma, MD, FHRS for this lively discussion of a cutting edge topic.

The ALONE-AF trial evaluated whether patients who remained free of atrial fibrillation for at least one year after catheter ablation could safely discontinue long-term oral anticoagulation. In this randomized study of more than 800 patients, stopping anticoagulation resulted in similarly low rates of stroke or systemic embolism and significantly fewer major bleeding events compared with continuing therapy. The findings suggest that, in carefully selected post-ablation patients, long-term anticoagulation discontinuation may be a safe and beneficial strategy.
Learning Objectives
  • Evaluate the methodology and patient selection criteria of the ALONE-AF randomized trial to understand which post-ablation patients may be appropriate candidates for long-term anticoagulation discontinuation.
  • Interpret the trial’s primary and secondary outcomes to assess the comparative risks of thromboembolism and major bleeding in patients who discontinue versus continue oral anticoagulation after successful AF ablation.
  • Discuss the clinical implications of ALONE-AF for shared decision-making, guideline considerations, and the development of individualized anticoagulation strategies following catheter ablation.
Article Authors and Podcast Contributors
Article Authors

Daehoon Kim, MD; Jaemin Shim, MD; Eue-Keun Choi, MD, Il-Young Oh, MD; Jun Kim, MD; Young Soo Lee, MD; Junbeom Park, MD; Jum-Suk Ko, MD; Kyoung-Min Park, MD; Jung-Hoon Sung, MD; Hyung Wook Park, MD; Hyung-Seob Park, MD; Jong-Youn Kim, MD, Ki-Woon Kang, MD; Dongmin Kim, MD; Jin-Kyu Park, MD; Dae-Hyeok Kim, MD; Jin-Bae Kim, MD; Hee Tae Yu, MD; Tae-Hoon Kim, MD; Jae-Sun Uhm, MD; Hui-Nam Pak, MD1; Boyoung Joung, MD; for the ALONE-AF Investigators



Podcast Contributors

Tina Baykaner, MD, MPH
Phillip Cuculich, MD
Atul Verma, MD, FHRS



Faculty and Disclosures
All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.

Host Disclosure(s):

P. Cuculich
•Intellectual Property Rights: Washington University
•Speaking/Teaching/Consulting: Varian Medical Systems

 

Contributor Disclosure(s): 
 
T. Baykaner

•Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting: Volta Medical, Medtronic, Pacemate, Johnson and Johnson, Abbot Medical, Boston Scientific
•Research: NIH

A. Verma

•Research: Abbott Medical, Adiago Medical, Medlumics
•Speaking/Teaching/Consulting: Kardium
•Membership on Advisory Committees: Biosense Webster, Medtronic

 

Staff Disclosure(s) (note: HRS staff are NOT in control of educational content. Disclosures are provided solely for full transparency to the learner):

S. Sailor: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Summary
Availability:
On-Demand
Expires on Sep 29, 2028
Cost:
FREE
Credit Offered:
No Credit Offered