Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Left atrial appendage occlusion: a critical appraisal updated with recent evidence
John M Mandrola1, Andrew J Foy
1Louisville Cardiology Group, Baptist Health Louisville, Louisville Division of Cardiology, Penn State College of Medicine, Pennsylvania, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
To allow readers to fully appreciate the uncertainties with this novel yet invasive approach to stroke prevention.
Recent Findings:
Percutaneous left atrial (LA) appendage occlusion has emerged as potential nonpharmacologic means to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. Yet the evidence underpinning this new technology is not definitive.
Summary:
In this review, we consider the internal and external validity of the regulatory trials, pathophysiologic basis for LA appendage occlusion and clinical tradeoffs of the procedure.
