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Role for the left atrial appendage occlusion device in managing thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation
Author(s) -
Obeyesekere M. N.,
Lockwood S.,
Mottram P.,
Alison J. F.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
internal medicine journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.596
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-5994
pISSN - 1444-0903
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2011.02698.x
Subject(s) - medicine , percutaneous , atrial fibrillation , left atrial appendage occlusion , cardiology , thromboembolic stroke , warfarin , pulmonary vein , atrial appendage , catheter ablation , occlusion , sinus rhythm
Only 50% of patients who would benefit from warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) receive treatment because of clinical concerns regarding chronic anti‐coagulation. Percutaneous strategies to treat AF, including pulmonary vein isolation with a curative intent or atrioventricular nodal ablation and implantation of a permanent pacemaker for palliative rate control, have not eliminated the need to manage thromboembolic risk. With the development of a percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion device (the WATCHMAN percutaneous left atrial appendage occluder – Atritech Inc., Plymouth, MN, USA) for thromboembolic protection in non‐valvular AF a significant therapeutic option for select patients may be available. We present the first case performed in Australia (24 November 2009) and explore this new methodology.