The CHADS Score Role in Managing Anticoagulation After Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

The number of thromboembolic events after surgical ablation procedure is low and appears unrelated to the CHADS2. This, together with the higher rate of bleeding, raises questions regarding the applicability of the CHADS2 for patients after surgical ablation. A randomized study is required to define the risks and anticoagulation strategies for patients after surgical ablation.