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Updated: Feb 25, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Left atrial appendage occlusion for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation
Rizma Jalees Bajwa1, Lara Kovell1, Jon R Resar1
1Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
Insights
Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases stroke risk, often managed with anticoagulation. Left atrial appendage occlusion offers an alternative stroke risk reduction for patients unable to use anticoagulation long-term.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent arrhythmia linked to significant morbidity and mortality.
- AF increases the risk of thromboembolism and stroke, necessitating anticoagulation therapy.
- Anticoagulation reduces stroke risk but carries a higher bleeding risk, sometimes requiring discontinuation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the indications and applications of left atrial appendage occlusion devices.
- To highlight emerging implantable device options for stroke risk reduction in AF patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on left atrial appendage occlusion devices.
- Analysis of clinical indications and device usage for stroke prevention in AF.
Main Results:
- The left atrial appendage is a primary source of thrombus in AF patients.
- Left atrial appendage occlusion is a developing strategy for stroke risk reduction.
- Several implantable devices are available, showing promising results.
Conclusions:
- Left atrial appendage occlusion is a viable alternative for patients with contraindications to anticoagulation.
- Understanding device indications and use is crucial for managing stroke risk in AF.
- Ongoing development in occlusion devices offers new therapeutic avenues.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a commonly sustained atrial arrhythmia with associated morbidity and mortality. AF is associated with increased risk of thromboembolism and stroke, requiring use of anticoagulation. Anticoagulation decreases the risk of stroke but is associated with a higher risk of bleeding, necessitating discontinuation in some patients. The left atrial appendage is the likely source of thrombus in the majority of patients with AF. This has led to the development of left atrial appendage occlusion as a means to reduce stroke risk in patients who have a contraindication to long-term anticoagulation. Multiple implantable devices have surfaced in the last few years, with some promising prospects. The main purpose of this review is to highlight the indications and use of these devices for left atrial appendage occlusion.
