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Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
The cessation of oral anticoagulation following left atrial appendage surgery
Neil Mangrolia1, Prakash Punjabi1
1NHLI Cardiothoracic Surgery, B Block BN2/15, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, England.
Insights
For patients with atrial fibrillation and bleeding risks, discontinuing oral anticoagulation after left atrial appendage closure may be safe. Evidence comparing surgical and percutaneous closure guides this decision.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases stroke risk, managed by oral anticoagulation (OAC).
- OAC risks, particularly bleeding, can outweigh benefits in some patients.
- Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an alternative strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on discontinuing OAC after surgical LAA closure in AF patients.
- To compare safety and efficacy with percutaneous LAA closure data.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on LAA closure (surgical and percutaneous).
- Analysis of evidence regarding OAC cessation post-procedure.
- Comparison of outcomes between surgical and percutaneous LAA closure.
Main Results:
- Percutaneous LAA closure studies suggest rationale for OAC discontinuation.
- Clinical concern exists regarding OAC cessation safety after surgical LAA closure.
- Evidence synthesis is needed to guide management decisions.
Conclusions:
- Management of oral anticoagulation after left atrial appendage closure requires careful consideration.
- Further evidence is needed to establish definitive guidelines for OAC cessation post-surgical LAA closure.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation is associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke, and oral anticoagulation is the mainstay of preventative treatment. Scenarios arise where the risks of treatment with oral anticoagulation may outweigh the benefits, most commonly when there is an elevated risk of bleeding. Studies of percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage have strongly implicated this structure in the etiology of stroke in atrial fibrillation, and provide some rationale for the discontinuation of oral anticoagulation following percutaneous closure device implantation. A common clinical concern is the safety of cessation of oral anticoagulation after surgical closure of the left atrial appendage in patients with a history of atrial fibrillation. Here, we review the evidence guiding this management decision and draw comparison with data on percutaneous closure.
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