Open AccessLeft atrial appendage occlusion for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation
Author(s) -
Bajwa Rizma Jalees,
Kovell Lara,
Resar Jon R.,
ArbabZadeh Armin,
Mandal Kaushik,
Calkins Hugh,
Berger Ronald D.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.22764
Subject(s) - medicine , atrial fibrillation , left atrial appendage occlusion , contraindication , stroke (engine) , thrombus , atrial appendage , cardiology , discontinuation , occlusion , warfarin , sinus rhythm , mechanical engineering , alternative medicine , pathology , engineering
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a commonly sustained atrial arrhythmia with associated morbidity and mortality. AF is associated with increased risk of thromboembolism and stroke, requiring use of anticoagulation. Anticoagulation decreases the risk of stroke but is associated with a higher risk of bleeding, necessitating discontinuation in some patients. The left atrial appendage is the likely source of thrombus in the majority of patients with AF. This has led to the development of left atrial appendage occlusion as a means to reduce stroke risk in patients who have a contraindication to long‐term anticoagulation. Multiple implantable devices have surfaced in the last few years, with some promising prospects. The main purpose of this review is to highlight the indications and use of these devices for left atrial appendage occlusion.