Summary

Thromboembolism (TE) risk appears to be related to the burden of device-detected atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT) [Glotzer TV et al. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2009]. The investigators of the single-blinded Combined Use of BIOTRONIK Home Monitoring and Predefined Anticoagulation to Reduce Stroke Risk Trial [IMPACT; NCT00559988] hypothesized that a home monitoring—guided oral anticoagulation strategy, including initiation early after AT detection and withdrawal after a prespecified window without AT, might reduce TE and hemorrhage in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator device.