Surgical occlusion of the left atrial appendage and thromboembolic complications in patients with left ventricular assist devices

Thromboembolic complications (TECs) are major adverse events for patients supported by left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Despite anti-coagulation, TECs such as stroke or pump thrombosis occur in 6.5% of patients.1 Risk of TECs increases with longer duration of device support, and the risk is likely greater in patients receiving LVADs as destination therapy. Surgical or percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) reduces TECs in patients with atrial fibrillation.2,3 The LAA may also be a source of thromboembolism for patients with systolic heart failure, including patients in sinus rhythm.
Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation - Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Tags: Research Correspondence Source Type: research