Context

Oral anticoagulation (OAC) has been demonstrated to reduce stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), however, its use conveys an increased risk of bleeding.1 Therefore, patients receiving OAC who undergo invasive procedures often ‘interrupt’ OAC. Use of short-term ‘bridging’ anticoagulants during such interruptions has been the source of significant debate.2 Although guidelines support a risk-based approach, there is little randomised data to support this.3 Observational data have suggested increased harm and minimal benefit associated with bridging,4 yet until now there have been insufficient prospective …