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Updated: May 6, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Left atrial appendage closure in patients with atrial fibrillation in whom warfarin is contra-indicated: initial
1Vergelegen Mediclinic, Somerset West, South Africa.
Insights
Atrial fibrillation can cause strokes, but many patients cannot take blood thinners. Left atrial appendage occlusion offers an alternative to prevent clots in these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation is a primary cause of cardioembolic events, particularly stroke.
- Oral anticoagulation is standard but contraindicated in some patients.
- The left atrial appendage is the source of most emboli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the initial outcomes of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion in South Africa.
- To evaluate this procedure as an alternative for patients unsuitable for anticoagulation.
Main Methods:
- Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion was performed.
- The procedure was conducted on the first 12 patients in South Africa.
Main Results:
- The study includes the first 12 patients to undergo this procedure in South Africa.
- Outcomes data for these initial patients are presented.
Conclusions:
- Left atrial appendage occlusion is a viable option for patients with atrial fibrillation unable to tolerate anticoagulation.
- This marks the first reported series of this procedure in South Africa.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation is a common cause of cardiac embolic events, especially stroke. Oral anticoagulation therapy is used to reduce these events. Many patients however are unable to take such therapy. Percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendage (the source of 90% of these emboli) is an option in these patients. Presented here are the first 12 patients to have this procedure done in South Africa.
