Abstract
Current anticoagulant therapies aimed at stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) are increasingly challenged by a complex patient population at significant risk of bleeding. Mounting evidence shows that left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an effective strategy for reducing stroke risk in patients with nonvalvular AF, without the need for anticoagulation. Several approaches and devices have been developed in recent years, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. This article reviews these approaches, identifies pertinent aspects, and outlines necessary or ongoing research in establishing LAA closure as a safe and effective approach to stroke risk reduction.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 141-160 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2014 |
Keywords
- Atrial fibrillation
- Cardioembolic risk
- Left atrial appendage closure
- Stroke
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- Physiology (medical)