English abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) cases
at the Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK, as well as to survey current VTE practices and preventative strategies
at other UK-based electrophysiology (EP) centres. Methods: This retrospective study involved all patients who
underwent EP studies at Leeds General Infirmary from January 2014 to December 2016. In addition, a telephone
survey was conducted of 35 other UK-based EP centres. Results: Of 1,020 patients who underwent EP studies at
Leeds General Infirmary, 0.3% developed a post-procedural VTE. In addition, 28 other EP centres were surveyed
(response rate: 80%), of which 18% reported VTE cases in the last two years. There were wide variations in VTE
prevention strategies and the use of post-procedural thromboprophylaxis. Conclusion: Despite the low incidence
of VTE cases, many UK centres continue to experience this complication with no consensus on optimal preventative
strategies. As current VTE guidelines do not recommend antithrombotics after EP studies, further research is needed.
