Left Atrial Appendage Closure Is Preferred to Chronic Warfarin Therapy

Publication date: Available online 10 July 2015 Source:Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics Author(s): Moustapha Atoui, Sampath Gunda, Dhanunjaya LakkireddyTeaser Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased rates of death, stroke, heart failure, hospitalization, degraded quality of life, reduced exercise capacity, and left ventricular dysfunction. An oral anticoagulant reduces the risk of stroke; however, it places the patient at risk for bleeding complications. Weighing the stroke and bleeding risks remains the key for optimal treatment. Cardiac interventions that can obviate long-term oral anticoagulation hold great promise for the future care of patients with AF and high stroke risk. The percutaneously deployable Watchman device is a paradigm shift in how clinicians can abate the need for continued oral anticoagulation.
Source: Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research