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Updated: May 13, 2026

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
[Can strokes be prevented by cardiac catheterization procedures?]
Heikki Ukkonen1, Juha Lund, Antti Saraste
1TYKS, sisätautien klinikka.
Insights
Atrial fibrillation strokes often stem from heart clots. Left atrial appendage closure offers an alternative to anticoagulation for high-risk patients experiencing bleeding complications, preventing strokes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
Abstract:
Most strokes associated with atrial fibrillation are caused by thrombi generated at the left auricle of the heart. Anticoagulation effectively prevents strokes associated with atrial fibrillation, but may in some patients cause severe bleeding complications that lead to cessation of therapy. Catheter closure of the left auricle of the heart is an effective but technically demanding treatment alternative in cases where severe bleedings prevent anticoagulation therapy and the patient carries a high risk of developing stroke. Some strokes of unknown origin may also be caused by a patent foramen ovale.
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