Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Atrial Fibrillation: A World without Anticoagulation?
Publication/Presentation Date
3-30-2011
Abstract
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with an incidence that is as high as 10% in the elderly population. Given the large proportion of strokes caused by AF as well as the associated morbidity and mortality, reducing stroke burden is the most important part of AF management. While warfarin significantly reduces the risk of AF-related stroke, perceived bleeding risks and compliance limit its widespread use in the high-risk AF population. The left atrial appendage is believed to be the "culprit" for thrombogenesis in nonvalvular AF and is a new therapeutic target for stroke prevention. The purpose of this review is to explore the evolving field of percutaneous LAA occlusion. After briefly highlighting the risk of stroke with AF, problems with warfarin, and the role of the LAA in clot formation, this article discusses the feasibility and efficacy of various devices which have been developed for percutaneous LAA occlusion.
Volume
2011
First Page
752808
Last Page
752808
ISSN
2090-0597
Published In/Presented At
Contractor, T., & Khasnis, A. (2011). Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Atrial Fibrillation: A World without Anticoagulation?. Cardiology research and practice, 2011, 752808. https://doi.org/10.4061/2011/752808
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
21559225
Department(s)
Department of Medicine
Document Type
Article