Left atrial appendage closure: An emerging option in atrial fibrillation when oral anticoagulants are not tolerated

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is associated with a risk of stroke, primarily from embolization of clots that form in the left atrial appendage. This structure has been targeted to reduce stroke risk in patients who have contraindications to oral anticoagulation. This article appraises the current literature describing surgical and percutaneous isolation of the left atrial appendage.