Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion: New perspectives for the method

Abstract

Ischemic stroke is a common complication of atrial fibrillation (AF). Currently, oral anticoagulant drugs are the most commonly used method of stroke prevention. Left atrial appendage occlusion is thought to be the main source of thrombi in patients with AF. Percutaneous left atrial appendage is a valuable therapeutic option for selected high-risk patients with AF and contraindications for oral anticoagulation therapy. While complete closure of the left atrial appendage is the goal of a device implantation the variable nature of the left atrial appendage anatomy makes this goal difficult to achieve. Currently, there are several types of devices available for left atrial appendage occlusion. Since the first percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion in 2002 many studies have investigated both the safety and efficacy of this therapy using different closure devices. Still unresolved issues include a lack of data on optimal patient selection, risk of complications, and anticoagulant treatment after left atrial appendage occlusion.