Comparison of uninterrupted anticoagulation with dabigatran etexilate or warfarin in the periprocedural period for atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: Results of the Japanese subgroup of the RE‐CIRCUIT trial

Background: There are limited data on uninterrupted anticoagulation with direct oral anticoagulants during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), particularly in Japan. We planned a subgroup analysis of the RE-CIRCUIT study, comparing the use of uninterrupted dabigatran therapy with warfarin therapy during catheter ablation among the Japanese subgroup and with that in the total population. Methods: The RE-CIRCUIT study utilized a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint design, and the primary endpoint was the incidence of major bleeding events (MBEs). Patients were randomized to uninterrupted dabigatran 150 mg twice daily or warfarin. In this study, we analyzed the results in Japanese patients. Results: Of 704 enrolled patients in the study, 112 Japanese patients were randomized to dabigatran (n = 65) or warfarin (n = 47). MBEs were experienced by two patients: one in the dabigatran group (1.6%, cardiac tamponade) and one in the warfarin group (2.2%, groin hematoma) (risk difference vs warfarin -0.6%; 95% CI -5.8, 4.7). Within the Japanese subgroup, there were no thromboembolic events in both groups. Conclusion: While not designed to show statistical difference between two treatment groups, our results from the Japanese subgroup supported those from the overall population. Furthermore, this study provided clinical information regarding MBE, especially cardiac tamponade, in Japanese patients.