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Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
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Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: May 29, 2015

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[Left atrial appendage closure in non-valvular atrial fibrillation]

K G Häusler1, U Landmesser2,3,4

  • 1Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Deutschland. Haeusler_K@ukw.de.

Herz
|May 12, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Left atrial appendage closure is a promising alternative for patients with atrial fibrillation unable to take oral anticoagulation. Ongoing trials like CLOSURE AF will clarify its role in stroke prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation is a leading cause of ischemic stroke, necessitating anticoagulation.
  • A significant patient subset cannot tolerate long-term oral anticoagulation.
  • The left atrial appendage is a primary source of thrombi in atrial fibrillation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on left atrial appendage closure for stroke prevention.
  • To highlight ongoing randomized trials investigating this therapeutic option.
  • To discuss the potential impact of left atrial appendage closure on clinical practice.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and registry data on left atrial appendage closure.
  • Introduction of ongoing randomized controlled trials, including the CLOSURE AF trial.
  • Analysis of effectiveness and complication rates of catheter-based procedures.

Main Results:

  • Registry studies demonstrate the effectiveness of catheter-based left atrial appendage closure.
  • Procedure-related complication rates are decreasing.
  • Randomized trials are crucial to confirm stroke prevention efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Left atrial appendage closure is a viable therapeutic option for select atrial fibrillation patients.
  • Further evidence from randomized trials is needed to solidify its role in stroke prevention.
  • The CLOSURE AF trial aims to address key clinical questions in this field.

Keywords:
AnticoagulationCLOSURE-AF studyCardiac arrhythmiaCardiac source of embolismStroke

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