2-5 Follow-up outcomes
The follow-up of patients included in-hospital and after discharge outcomes. Major adverse events were defined as major nonfatal bleeding (i.e., intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, and retroperitoneal hemorrhage), thromboembolic events (i.e., pulmonary thromboembolism, stroke, limb ischemia, and acute coronary syndrome), and all-cause in-hospital mortality. All patients were also followed up by telephone interview and reviewing medical charts provided by patient and/or relatives/guardians. All-cause mortality, recurrent episodes, chronic valve dysfunction, and freedom from morbidities were recorded during follow-up period.