Eliquis if in sinus rythm?

1. Why some people stay on Eliquis for life:

Even after a successful ablation, stroke risk doesn’t automatically go away. Doctors decide on long-term blood thinners based mainly on the patient’s CHA₂DS₂-VASc score (age, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, vascular disease, etc.).
If that score is high enough, the stroke risk stays elevated, even if the heart rhythm is now normal.

So:

Ablation success isn't guaranteed safe to stop Eliquis.

The decision depends on stroke risk, not just whether AFib is currently gone.

Some people genuinely do need lifelong anticoagulation; others do not. It varies.

2. For surgery (TURP or knee replacement):⁷

People have these surgeries safely all the time while on Eliquis. The usual plan is:

Hold Eliquis for 2–3 days before surgery (depending on kidney function).

Resume when the surgeon says it’s safe.

No “bridging” with heparin in most cases

Sometimes it’s held a little longer for TURP because the prostate is a very vascular area.

A cardiologist and the surgeon typically coordinate this. It’s routine.

3. When “lifelong Eliquis” might NOT be necessary:

If someone has:

A low CHA₂DS₂-VASc score.

No recurrent AFib on monitoring

Healthy heart structure.

…many electrophysiologists will consider stopping the anticoagulant after a few months.

But if the patient is older (especially 75+), have hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or prior stroke, then lifelong therapy is commonly recommended.

4. You should ask your cardiologist:

1. “What is my CHA₂DS₂-VASc score?”

2. “Am I on Eliquis because of persistent stroke risk, or just because of the ablation?”

3. “Can I stop it temporarily for surgery, and what’s the exact plan?”

If the doctor can’t clearly justify lifelong therapy, a second opinion from an electrophysiologist (EP) is reasonable.

Bottom line:

Lifelong Eliquis can be appropriate, but it’s not automatic after ablation.

Stroke-risk score determines the need.

Surgery is normal and safe with proper temporary interruption.

The information above is an authentic study compiled by medical professionals on this subject.

Your surgeon will worry about the bleeding issue and instruct you on what to take and when. As for Eliquis for life, I am in a similar place with you, but I would rather take that med than risk the chance of a stroke! Even a mild one can change your life. I will count my blessings at not having an arrhthymia episode ever again!