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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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SCAI/HRS expert consensus statement on transcatheter left atrial appendage closure
Jacqueline Saw1, David R Holmes2, João L Cavalcante3
1Division of Cardiology, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Canada.
Heart Rhythm
|March 29, 2023
Summary
Transcatheter left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) offers an alternative to surgical exclusion for reducing stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients. This updated consensus provides evidence-based recommendations for contemporary endovascular LAAC practices.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Surgical left atrial appendage exclusion began in 1949.
- Transcatheter endovascular left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has rapidly advanced over the last two decades.
- The number of LAAC procedures has surged globally since 2015.
Framework:
- Previous Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) statements were published in 2015 and 2016.
- New clinical trials and registries have yielded significant data.
- Evolving device and imaging technologies necessitate updated guidance.
Implementation:
- Focus on contemporary, evidence-based best practices for transcatheter LAAC.
- Recommendations tailored for endovascular device procedures.
- Addresses institutional and operator requirements.
Implications:
- Aims to standardize and improve the safety and efficacy of LAAC procedures.
- Supports clinicians in managing thromboembolic risk for atrial fibrillation patients.
- Facilitates the adoption of advanced LAAC technologies.
