Performing Transcatheter Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Techniques and Challenges

The left atrial appendage (LAA) has been demonstrated to be the major source of thromboemboli in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).1 The rationale of LAA closure is based on eliminating LAA continuity with the left atrium thereby reducing stroke risk. Indeed, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures play an important role in anticoagulation-intolerant patients at risk for AF-related stroke. Based on the PROTECT-AF2 and PREVAIL3 studies, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved use of the Watchman (Boston Scientific, MA) device in 2015, with an updated generation of device subsequently ratified in 2020 following the PINNACLE-FLX study.
Source: Heart Rhythm - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research