Percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendage: An expert consensus statement

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common rhythm disturbance. Among the major thromboembolic complications associated with AF, strokes are foremost, with a 4.4% yearly incidence in the absence of preventive treatment. Therefore, the prevention of these embolic accidents is a priority. While proof of the efficacy of oral anticoagulants (OACs) for this indication is long-standing and convincing, they are associated with haemorrhagic complications. Consequently, their prescription is based on an estimate of the risk (haemorrhagic complications)/benefit (thromboembolic prevention) ratio. In a patient subset at high thromboembolic and haemorrhagic risk, whether to prescribe or abstain from prescribing an OAC is a challenging decision, and an alternative means of thromboembolic prevention is desirable. Percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is an alternative, interventional, non-pharmacological treatment that has been used widely in Europe and for a few years in France, with encouraging results. However, it remains an invasive procedure with a low level of proof in comparison with OACs. Moreover, the indications, the procedural environment and pre-per-post procedural patient management are major questions about this technique, with consequences on its efficacy and risk/benefit ratio. This document, composed by consensus among experts in the field, is an in-depth review of this new therapy.