Factor XI Inhibition Redefined: Catalytic Domain Blockade Emerges as a Superior Strategy for VTE Prevention

Factor XI Inhibition Redefined: Catalytic Domain Blockade Emerges as a Superior Strategy for VTE Prevention

The ROXI-VTE trials demonstrate that inhibiting the Factor XI catalytic domain significantly reduces postoperative VTE compared to enoxaparin. While blocking Factor XIIa-mediated activation showed promise, it failed to meet superiority, highlighting the critical role of Factor XI's catalytic activity in surgical thromboprophylaxis.
Rethinking First-Line Anticoagulation in Older Adults: Real-World Evidence Challenges Conventional AFib Management

Rethinking First-Line Anticoagulation in Older Adults: Real-World Evidence Challenges Conventional AFib Management

A large-scale study of 144,969 Medicare beneficiaries reveals that initial anticoagulant prescriptions for atrial fibrillation may not reduce ischemic stroke risk in patients over 66, while significantly increasing major bleeding hazards, suggesting a need for more nuanced, individualized clinical decision-making.
Is Female Sex a Truly Independent Risk Factor for Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation? Insights from a Large European Cohort

Is Female Sex a Truly Independent Risk Factor for Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation? Insights from a Large European Cohort

A large European cohort study reveals that while women with atrial fibrillation are less likely to receive anticoagulants and show higher crude thromboembolism rates, female sex is not an independent risk factor after adjusting for comorbidities. The CHA2DS2-VASc score remains superior for clinical reclassification.
No Net Benefit from Adding Antiplatelet Therapy to Anticoagulation After Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Atherosclerosis: Results from the ATIS‑NVAF Randomized Trial

No Net Benefit from Adding Antiplatelet Therapy to Anticoagulation After Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Atherosclerosis: Results from the ATIS‑NVAF Randomized Trial

In older patients with ischemic stroke/TIA, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, adding a single antiplatelet agent to anticoagulation did not reduce ischemic events but markedly increased bleeding, providing no net clinical benefit versus anticoagulant monotherapy.
Does Anticoagulation After Successful AF Ablation Matter? The OCEAN Trial Shows No Clear Advantage of Rivaroxaban over Aspirin

Does Anticoagulation After Successful AF Ablation Matter? The OCEAN Trial Shows No Clear Advantage of Rivaroxaban over Aspirin

In patients who underwent successful catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation at least one year earlier, rivaroxaban did not significantly reduce the composite of clinical or covert embolic stroke compared with aspirin over 3 years, while numerically more major bleeding occurred with rivaroxaban.
Lower-Intensity Anticoagulation During Venovenous ECMO: A Pilot RCT Shows Feasibility and a Signal Toward Less Bleeding

Lower-Intensity Anticoagulation During Venovenous ECMO: A Pilot RCT Shows Feasibility and a Signal Toward Less Bleeding

A 3-center randomized pilot trial found that randomized allocation to low- versus moderate-intensity anticoagulation during venovenous ECMO is feasible, with lower major bleeding rates in the low-intensity arm and no clear excess of thromboembolic events—but the study was underpowered for definitive safety or efficacy conclusions.