Left atrial appendage closure

Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2015 Sep-Oct;58(2):195-201. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2015.07.009. Epub 2015 Aug 1.

Abstract

Stroke or systemic embolism is a devastating consequence of atrial fibrillation (AF) due to thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage (LAA). AF causes thrombus formation in the LAA due to both the loss of atrial systole and the unique anatomic features of the LAA. Oral anticoagulation is a well established and effective therapy to reduce the risk of stroke in AF patients, albeit with a risk of bleeding. LAA closure is a possible alternative to oral anticoagulation in the prevention of stroke or systemic embolism in AF.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Left atrial appendage; Left atrial appendage closure.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Anticoagulants / administration & dosage
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Atrial Appendage / physiopathology
  • Atrial Appendage / surgery*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / complications
  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnosis
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / therapy*
  • Cardiac Catheterization* / adverse effects
  • Cardiac Catheterization* / instrumentation
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures* / adverse effects
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures* / instrumentation
  • Embolism / etiology
  • Embolism / prevention & control*
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Patient Selection
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Stroke / etiology
  • Stroke / prevention & control*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anticoagulants