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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
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Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion for Atrial Fibrillation
Faisal F Syed1, Christopher V DeSimone1, Paul A Friedman1
1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Heart Failure Clinics
|March 13, 2016
Summary
Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure offers stroke prevention for atrial fibrillation patients unable to use anticoagulants. This review covers surgical and device-based methods, stroke risks, and procedural considerations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Stroke Prevention
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases stroke risk, particularly from the left atrial appendage (LAA).
- Anticoagulant therapy is standard but contraindicated in some AF patients.
- Left atrial appendage closure is an alternative stroke prevention strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current surgical and percutaneous left atrial appendage closure techniques.
- To discuss stroke mechanisms in AF and the role of LAA.
- To compare procedural approaches and clinical management.
Main Methods:
- Review of published studies on LAA closure.
- Focus on stroke mechanisms, LAA anatomy and function.
- Analysis of procedural techniques and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Various percutaneous and surgical LAA closure devices and methods exist.
- Understanding LAA structure and function is crucial for effective stroke prevention.
- Procedural nuances and patient management strategies vary.
Conclusions:
- Left atrial appendage closure is a growing option for stroke risk reduction in specific AF populations.
- Further research and standardization of techniques are ongoing.
- This review provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians.
