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Updated: May 13, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Left atrial appendage closure devices. Their role in 2013
Insights
Left atrial appendage closure devices offer a promising alternative to warfarin for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients. These devices may reduce bleeding complications associated with traditional anticoagulation therapy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Stroke prevention is critical for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
- Warfarin is effective but carries risks like bleeding and drug interactions.
- New anticoagulants offer limited bleeding reduction compared to warfarin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge and status of percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure.
- To evaluate LAA closure as an alternative to pharmacotherapy for stroke prevention in AF patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current clinical and preclinical data on LAA closure devices.
- Analysis of randomized trial data, including the WATCHMAN® device.
Main Results:
- Percutaneous LAA closure is a technologically advanced option for AF patients.
- The WATCHMAN® device shows promising randomized data.
- Several other LAA closure devices are in development.
Conclusions:
- LAA closure presents a viable alternative to pharmacotherapy for stroke risk reduction in AF.
- Further research and development are ongoing for various LAA closure devices.
Abstract:
Stroke prevention is the major goal in treating patients with atrial fibrillation. Warfarin therapy, if used appropriately, is highly effective in preventing thromboembolic events, but is simultaneously burdened by a narrow therapeutic window, multiple food and drug interactions, and a substantial bleeding risk. New pharmacological agents show only a modest reduction of bleeding complications compared to warfarin. Percutaneous device left atrial appendage (LAA) closure has now been technologically advanced as an additional and potential alternative to pharmacotherapy in patients with AF. Promising randomized data are obtainable with the WATCHMAN® device, while several other devices are in various stages of clinical and preclinical development. In this article we review the current knowledge and status of this technique.
