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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Left atrial appendage exclusion system for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: a percutaneous device delivery
1Department of Medicine Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. stam_lerakis@emoryhealthcare.org
Insights
Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion offers a potential stroke prevention alternative for atrial fibrillation patients unable to use warfarin. While feasible with promising intermediate results, long-term safety and stroke reduction efficacy require further study.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Interventional Cardiology
- Stroke Prevention
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly increases stroke risk.
- Thrombi causing ischemic events often form in the left atrial appendage (LAA).
- LAA occlusion is explored as an alternative to warfarin for AF patients with anticoagulation contraindications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and intermediate outcomes of LAA occlusion devices.
- To assess LAA occlusion as a stroke prevention strategy in AF.
Main Methods:
- Review of data on LAA occlusion devices, including the PLAATO and WATCHMAN systems.
- Assessment of technical feasibility and intermediate results of percutaneous LAA occlusion.
Main Results:
- LAA occlusion is technically feasible.
- Intermediate results for LAA occlusion show promise.
- Long-term safety and stroke reduction efficacy remain unproven.
Conclusions:
- LAA occlusion is a viable option for select AF patients.
- Further randomized trials are necessary to confirm long-term safety and efficacy.
- LAA occlusion devices may offer an alternative to long-term anticoagulation.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a well-known predisposing factor for stroke. Most of the thrombi responsible for these ischemic events originate in the left atrial appendage. Left atrium appendage (LAA) occlusion is a potential alternative to warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation who have contraindications to anticoagulation. The Percutaneous LAA Transcatheter Occlusion (PLAATO System, ev3 Inc., Plymouth, Minnesota) and the WATCHMAN LAA system (Atritech Inc., Plymouth, Minnesota), are currently the two devices specifically designed for LAA occlusion. Although available data are still limited, LAA occlusion is technically feasible, with good intermediate results, but its long-term safety and ability to reduce stroke incidence remains unproven. Randomized studies will clarify the usefulness of the LAA occlusion devices as an alternative treatment strategy to long-term anticoagulation.
