Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device Implantation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Prior Intracranial Hemorrhage “No Man Left Behind”

Several LAA closure devices have been developed for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) seeking an alternative to long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC). The PROTECT AF trial was the first multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing LAA closure device vs. OAC with Warfarin. Primary safety events were statistically more frequent in the device group (7.4% vs. 4.4%). At a mean follow up of 3.8 years LAA closure device showed superiority for the primary efficacy endpoint (i.e., composite of stroke, cardiovascular death and systemic embolism), with a 34% relative risk reduction in total mortality1-3 However, with the available data this device requires a short period of OAC and dual antiplatelets therapy (DAPT).
Source: Heart Rhythm - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research