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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Transcatheter occlusion of the left atrial appendage for stroke prevention
Yves L Bayard1, Stefan H Ostermayer, Horst Sievert
1CardioVascular Center Frankfurt, Sankt Katharinen Seckbacher, Landstrasse 65, 60389 Frankfurt, Germany. YvesBayard@gmx.de
Insights
Left atrial appendage occlusion is a new stroke prevention method for atrial fibrillation patients who cannot use warfarin. This minimally invasive procedure shows promising safety and effectiveness in reducing stroke risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Patients with atrial fibrillation face a higher risk of cardioembolic stroke.
- Thrombi causing these strokes often form in the left atrial appendage.
- Warfarin is a common treatment, but not suitable for all patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and safety of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for stroke prevention.
- To assess the efficacy of LAAO in patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindications to warfarin therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies utilizing percutaneous LAAO devices.
- Focus on three specific devices: PLAATO, WATCHMAN, and Amplatzer septal occluder.
- Analysis of procedural safety and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Left atrial appendage occlusion is a feasible and safe procedure.
- The use of PLAATO, WATCHMAN, and Amplatzer devices demonstrated promising results.
- Observed reduction in stroke risk for treated atrial fibrillation patients.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous LAAO is an effective alternative for stroke prevention in specific atrial fibrillation patient populations.
- LAAO offers a viable option for patients with contraindications to long-term warfarin.
- Further research may solidify LAAO's role in stroke risk management.
Abstract:
Patients with atrial fibrillation are at an increased risk of having a cardioembolic stroke. Most of the thrombi responsible for these ischemic events originate in the left atrial appendage. Percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendage is a new approach to stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindication for long-term warfarin treatment. Three different devices have been used so far: the PLAATO system, the WATCHMAN filter system and the Amplatzer septal occluder. Left atrial appendage occlusion using these devices is feasible and safe and has shown promising results. The risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation patients appears to be reduced.
