Discontinuation of Anticoagulations After Successful Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: DESTINATION Study
China National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases
Summary
The DESTINATION Study investigates whether anticoagulation therapy is necessary after successful catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Current guidelines recommend continued anticoagulation based on stroke risk scores, even post-ablation, potentially exposing patients to unnecessary bleeding risks. This international, multicenter, randomized controlled trial aims to compare thromboembolic and bleeding event risks between patients who continue and discontinue anticoagulation after ablation. The study involves 3,160 AF patients, all free of AF recurrence within 6 months to 1 year after ablation. Smart wearable monitors will track recurrence, and patients are followed for 24 months to assess event rates. Findings may reshape anticoagulation guidelines, improving clinical practice for AF patients worldwide.
Description
This prospective, international, multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigates the safety and necessity of continuing anticoagulation therapy after successful catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. The study will enroll 3,160 patients who underwent catheter ablation for AF and achieved no recurrence within 6 months to 1 year post-procedure. Participants will be randomly assigned to either continue or discontinue anticoagulation therapy. Smart wearable devices will monitor AF recurrence every 3 months, detecting both symptomatic and asymptomatic events. The study\'s primary…