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Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
[Interventional stroke prophylaxis : endocardial and epicardial left atrial appendage closure]
A Rillig1, C H Heeger, K H Kuck
1Abteilung für Kardiologie, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Lohmühlenstr. 5, 20099, Hamburg, Deutschland, arillig5@yahoo.de.
Insights
Atrial fibrillation (AF) poses a significant stroke risk. Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure devices offer an alternative to anticoagulation, aiming to reduce stroke risk while minimizing bleeding complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Stroke Prevention
Context:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a leading cause of ischemic stroke.
- Oral anticoagulation reduces stroke risk but increases bleeding risk.
- Left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombi are found in over 90% of AF patients.
Purpose:
- To review current endocardial and epicardial LAA closure devices.
- To assess indications, management, and outcomes of LAA closure.
- To compare LAA closure devices as an alternative to oral anticoagulation.
Summary:
- LAA closure devices, including endocardial (WATCHMAN™, AMPLATZER™) and epicardial (LARIAT™) options, are emerging alternatives to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in AF.
- These devices target thrombi within the LAA, a common source of emboli in AF patients.
- The review evaluates the clinical evidence for these devices, focusing on their efficacy and safety profiles.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of LAA closure technologies for clinicians.
- Informs treatment decisions for stroke risk reduction in AF patients.
- Highlights the evolving landscape of interventional cardiology for AF management.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is currently one of the major causes of ischemic stroke with an estimated stroke risk of 5% per year. Oral anticoagulation is an effective treatment for the reduction of stroke risk in patients with AF but is also associated with an increased risk of bleeding. In patients with AF it has been shown that left atrial thrombi can be identified within the left atrial appendage (LAA) in more than 90% of cases. On the basis of these findings LAA closure devices have been developed as an alternative to oral anticoagulation. Besides endocardial LAA occluders, such as the WATCHMAN™ and AMPLATZER™ devices, an epicardial LAA occluder (LARIAT™) has recently been introduced. The following review introduces the various endocardial and epicardial LAA closure devices and assesses the indications, management, advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches according to the current literature.
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