Minimally invasive left atrial appendage excision and atrial fibrillation ablation as secondary prevention of thromboembolic stroke —weighing the risk versus the benefit

In this issue of the Seminars, Ni and colleagues report outcomes of the first series of patients treated with minimally invasive left atrial appendage excision (LAAE) and atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation for secondary prevention of thromboembolic stroke1. Although the follow up period is relatively short, the authors are to be commended for demonstrating procedural safety using video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) AF ablation and LAAE, in addition to ensuring meticulous follow up including electrocardiographic Holter monitoring and computed tomography angiography (CTA) for assessment of completeness of LAAE in this challenging patient population.
Source: Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Tags: ADULT – Commentary Source Type: research